Bones found near UWF nature trail

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Authorities are investigating after students discovered what appears to be human bones off the University of West Florida campus nature trail on Oct. 4.

Investigators with the UWF Police and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement responded to the Edward Ball Nature Trail after authorities say an ROTC troop discovered the apparent remains while looking up GPS coordinates in the woods.

Students were still reacting to the news Friday as authorities continued to investigate the troubling discovery.
Many students, like Jena Alami, found out about the news through e-mails from the campus.

"It was really the last thing I expected. University of West Florida is a big beautiful campus. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about right now but still you have to keep caution," said Alami.

 
UWF Police Chief John Warren said the bones were found in thick underbrush around 30 feet from the trail.

The trail was closed, and the UWF Police and FDLE worked through the night and part of Friday investigating the scene.

Alami said she was stunned by the news.

"I'm at the library just checking my email and I see this. I got nervous because I'm by myself and I didn't bring my pepper spray," Alami said.

But some students were more curious than frightened by the discovery.

Tara Jordan said she wonders about it often.

"I'm more intrigued as to why they're here and I wonder where they come from. I don't really think anyone was killed out there. There are a bunch of different possibilities," Jordan said.

Lance Levulis said he isn't worried about the discovery but he hopes it wasn't a violent crime.

"I hope it wasn't something like murder or a hate crime. I hope it's just something accidental. It's sad that it happened but that's probably best case scenario," said Levulis
The bones have been sent to the Florida Medical Examiner's office for testing.

Officials with UWF say emails have been sent to the campus and there is no reason to think there is any threat to students.