James Madison University, a publicly funded institution located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is mourning the loss of a 19-year-old student discovered deceased in his dorm room on Thursday, November 9, 2023. The circumstances surrounding the cause and manner of death remain the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Virginia State Police. The university has conveyed its condolences and extended support to the family, friends, and classmates of the deceased student.
Discovery of the Deceased
As per a press release from the Virginia State Police, the JMU Police Department received a call around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023, reporting an unresponsive male in a dorm room within Frederikson Hall, a residence located in the Village area of the campus.
Responding swiftly, the JMU Police Department confirmed the unfortunate discovery of the 19-year-old student’s lifeless body, subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the student has been withheld from public disclosure, pending notification of next of kin.
At the behest of the JMU Police Department, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Culpeper Field Office has taken charge of the death investigation. The deceased’s body has been transferred to the Western District Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke for a comprehensive examination and autopsy. Presently, the investigation is ongoing, with no additional details released.
University Response
On Thursday, November 9, 2023, the university released an official statement confirming the student’s death and expressing deep sorrow and sympathy. The statement articulated:
“We are profoundly saddened to confirm the passing of a 19-year-old JMU student early this morning. This is an agonizing loss to our campus community, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. We request that their privacy be respected during this challenging period.”
In response to the tragic event, the university activated its crisis response team, offering counseling and support services to affected students, faculty, and staff. Those in need of assistance were encouraged to reach out to the Counseling Center at (540) 568-6552, the Dean of Students Office at (540) 568-6468, or the Office of Residence Life at (540) 568-3501.
The university committed to sharing additional information as it becomes available and pledged to commemorate the student’s memory appropriately.
In Closing
The unexpected demise of a 19-year-old student at James Madison University has deeply saddened both the university community and the public at large. The circumstances surrounding the death are still under investigation, with the identity of the student kept confidential.
The university has conveyed its condolences and support to the affected individuals and has taken proactive measures, activating a crisis response team to provide counseling and support services during this challenging time.
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