A worker in San Antonio discovered a human skull while cutting grass, mistaking it for a dried cantaloupe. Authorities confirm the remains belong to 30-year-old Austin Thomas Wyrosdick. Investigation ongoing.
A chilling discovery in San Antonio, Texas, has left authorities and a local worker shaken after what seemed to be a “dried cantaloupe” turned out to be a human skull.
Walter Stephens, an employee of Harrell Commercial Plumbing, made the grim find on Monday, September 15, while cutting grass near the front of his employer’s building on North San Jacinto Street. What initially appeared to be rotting fruit soon revealed itself to be much more sinister.
“I saw what looked like a dried cantaloupe or something,” Stephens recalled. “I picked it up, and the bottom part of the jaw stayed on the ground. When I turned it over and saw the teeth, I was like, ‘Oh my God.’”
Terrified by his discovery, Stephens immediately informed his boss, Brad Harrell, who promptly called the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). Police quickly arrived at the scene, and additional remains were discovered nearby. It was confirmed that the skull belonged to 30-year-old Austin Thomas Wyrosdick.
Investigation Underway for Wyrosdick’s Death
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the remains as belonging to Wyrosdick, but the cause and manner of death are still under investigation. The officials have not yet determined how long the skull had been at the site or the circumstances surrounding his death.
Authorities later confirmed the discovery of various other human remains, including a detached jaw and several bones, near a creek adjacent to the property. Harrell and Stephens, who often walk the property, stated that the skull had not been visible before, raising questions about how the remains ended up there. Harrell suggested that either someone may have dropped off the remains, or possibly, an animal had moved them to the area.
A Haunting Reminder
For both Stephens and Harrell, the discovery has served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life. “You don’t think you’re going to see a human skull, ever really,” Harrell said. “There was no skin or anything on it. It had been decomposed for a while.” He added, “Life is short, live every day to the fullest.”
The San Antonio Police Department is continuing its investigation into the death of Wyrosdick, and authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death and how the remains ended up in the location.
