TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police are investigating after a baby was found dead on campus at the University of Tampa.

Meanwhile, according to police, the mother of the child was located and transported to a nearby hospital.

Just before 7 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a report of a deceased infant near McKay Hall on campus. Upon arrival, officers located a newborn female wrapped in a towel and placed in a garbage bin. 

The body of the infant has been transported to the Medical Examiner's office for autopsy to determine the cause of death and developmental stage. 

What You Need To Know

  • Abandoned baby found dead on University of Tampa campus 

  • Just before 7 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a report of a deceased infant near McKay Hall on campus

  • Officers located a newborn female wrapped in a towel and placed in a garbage bin

  • No further information released; investigation ongoing

The body of the infant has been transported to the Medical Examiner's office for autopsy to determine the cause of death and developmental stage. 

"The loss of a child is always a tragedy," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "As our department actively investigates this incident, we want all expectant mothers to know there are resources available."

No information on the mother has been released. There’s no word on if any charges have been filed. 

The Tampa Police Department reminds the community that Florida has a Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to anonymously surrender an unharmed newborn infant seven days old or younger to any Fire Station, EMS station, or hospital staffed by full-time emergency medical technicians, paramedics, or firefighters.

There will be no questions asked, and no charges will be filed for surrendering a newborn under the Safe Haven Law unless the infant has signs of abuse or neglect.

If you are an expectant mother facing difficult circumstances, some resources include: 

This remains an active investigation. Updates can be provided when they become available.