Officials say the remains found near River and Craycroft are prehistoric.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Human remains discovered near River and Craycroft in the Catalina Foothills have been identified as prehistoric, turning the case from a police response into an archaeological recovery and tribal notification process.
Tucson police confirmed the bone was found May 7 and later said it was not connected to a criminal investigation. James Watson, curator of bioarchaeology at the Arizona State Museum, said the condition of the bone showed it was ancient and likely more than 50 years old.
Watson said he went to the area after investigators determined there was no cause for alarm. “I went through the process of documenting what I saw, the location, and made the recovery,” Watson said. He said that included digging through part of the riverbank to search for the rest of the individual and any related objects.
The recovery also started a formal effort to notify tribes that may have ties to the remains. Watson said tribes identify areas where they want to be contacted when likely Native American remains are found. Those maps help archaeologists determine who should be notified and whether a tribe wants to claim affiliation.
The Catalina Foothills discovery fits a pattern seen across the region, Watson said. Human remains can surface during construction or roadwork, and natural erosion from storms can also uncover long-buried sites. He said remains were found near the same area three years ago, and the riverbank may produce more finds in the future.
Officials have not released an identity, exact age or tribal affiliation for the remains. Watson said the work ahead is focused on completing the report, making the required contacts and returning the remains to the proper descendant community once that process is complete.
The discovery began as a public safety question but now centers on cultural and historical responsibility. Watson said his team’s role is to help make sure the person is documented, recovered and returned through the proper channels.
Author note: Last updated May 18, 2026.