Full Breakdown
Human Remains Discovered in Chimney of Queens Public School Prompt Investigation
7/1/2026, 1:21:46 AM
Incident Overview
On Tuesday morning, around 9 a.m., New York City police responded to a 911 call reporting possible human remains in the chimney of P.S./I.S. 113 Anthony J. Pranzo, a public elementary-middle school in Glendale, Queens. A custodian had alerted an exterminator to a foul odor; the exterminator first uncovered a shoe and then a human foot within the ash dump of the chimney. No students or staff were present, as the school had closed after the last day of classes on the preceding Friday and remained shut for summer construction.
Background & Context
The school, which serves roughly 750 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, is undergoing renovation work this summer. City Buildings Department records show recent permits for electrical wiring, hot-water heating, and other construction activities. The building’s exterior is largely covered by scaffolding, indicating ongoing contractor presence.
Key Figures & Agencies
- P.S./I.S. 113 Anthony J. Pranzo – the affected school.
- New York City Police Department (NYPD) – received the 911 call and secured the scene.
- New York City Department of Education (DOE) – issued public statements and coordinated support for the school community.
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner – tasked with identifying the remains and determining cause of death.
- Contractors – currently working under the cited permits; detectives plan to interview them.
Timeline
- Friday, June 26 – Final school day before summer break; building vacated.
- Tuesday, June 30, ~9 a.m. – Custodian reports odor; exterminator discovers shoe and foot; 911 call placed.
- Tuesday, June 30, shortly after – NYPD and city officials arrive; area secured; investigation launched.
- June 30 onward – Medical examiner to analyze remains; police to question contractors.
Data & Statistics
- Student enrollment: ~750 pupils.
- Construction permits: recent approvals for wiring, hot-water heating, and related work.
- Discovery time: 9 a.m. 911 call; remains found shortly thereafter.
Official Statements & Responses
The NYC Department of Education described the finding as “deeply upsetting and concerning,” emphasizing that the agency is providing supports for the school community while the NYPD conducts its investigation. The department reiterated that the building was closed for construction during the incident and affirmed cooperation with law-enforcement and medical-examiner officials.
Criticism & Opposition
No public criticism or dissenting commentary has been reported in the available sources.
On-the-Ground Reports
A school custodian, suspecting pest activity, summoned an exterminator. The exterminator reported a foul odor, opened the chimney’s ash dump, found a shoe, and then felt a human foot, prompting the emergency call. Police and investigators subsequently examined the site.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree that the remains are human, but they differ on details regarding the timeline of the body’s presence. No identification, cause of death, or indication of foul play has been released, and the length of time the remains were in the chimney remains unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “deeply upsetting and concerning.” — New York City Department of Education
- “NYC Schools released the following statement: "This discovery is deeply upsetting and concerning, and we are making sure the right supports are in place for the entire school community while NYPD investigates.” — New York City Department of Education
- “This discovery is deeply upsetting and concerning, and we are making sure the right supports are in place for the entire school community while NYPD investigates. There were no students present this morning as the building is closed this summer for construction.” — New York City Department of Education
- “The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will analyze the remains to determine the cause of death and establish the identity of the individual.” — Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
- “The City Department of Education called the discovery "deeply upsetting and concerning.” — Department of Education
Why It Matters
The discovery raises concerns about safety protocols during construction, the handling of unknown remains in public facilities, and the emotional impact on a school community that has just concluded its academic year.
What’s Next
The medical examiner will conduct forensic analysis to identify the individual and cause of death. Detectives plan to interview contractors about recent work in the chimney. The DOE will continue to provide counseling and support services while the investigation proceeds.
