A construction crew in Belmont has halted work after discovering human remains.
Authorities have ruled out the possibility that the remains found in Twin Pines Park were those of Ylva Hagner, 42, of Palo Alto, who disappeared 29 years ago. But it appears likely they are those of a Native American from long ago.
Hagner disappeared from the software company she worked at in Belmont on Oct. 14, 1996. Her car was found a few days later on Spring Street, just off of El Camino Real, in San Carlos. The FBI was among the agencies that were called when the remains were found.
Now, the city is working with “cultural resource specialists and designated tribal representatives to ensure all next steps are handled appropriately and respectfully,” Belmont city spokeswoman Elizabeth Tsachres said in a statement.
According to the state’s Native American Heritage Commission, if remains are found, the commission must be notified by the county coroner. The commission must then notify whoever it believes to be the most likely descendant.
The descendant must then make recommendations to the property owner.
Tsachres would not confirm whether the city was working with the Native American Heritage Commission, only saying that out of “respect for partners and cultural sensitivity,” the city would not be releasing any further information.