Cleveland, Georgia — A college student was found dead inside a campus apartment Sunday evening, prompting an investigation by local authorities as the university community mourns the loss.
Cleveland police responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive person at approximately 5:18 p.m. on Sept. 20, Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker told NOW Georgia.
When officers arrived at the residence, they found a deceased male inside, according to the outlet.
The student was attending Truett McConnell University, a Christian university in Cleveland, Georgia. The school later confirmed the death and asked members of the campus community to avoid speculation while authorities continue investigating.
Authorities Investigate Student’s Death
Following the discovery, the White County Coroner’s Office transported the student’s body to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory for examination. The examination is expected to help authorities determine additional details surrounding the death.
At this stage, authorities do not suspect foul play. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not publicly released additional details about what led to the student’s death.
Because the investigation is still underway, authorities have not indicated whether any other circumstances surrounding the incident remain under examination.
The death occurred on the university’s campus, where students, faculty and staff are now dealing with the loss.
Truett McConnell University Confirms Death
Truett McConnell University confirmed the student’s death in a statement shared on social media.
“With heavy hearts, we confirm the death of a TMU student yesterday on campus. Our community is heartbroken, and our prayers are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all who are grieving,” the university said.
The school said it is working to support the student’s family while also respecting the family’s wishes for privacy.
The university did not publicly identify the student in its statement.
School Urges Community Not to Speculate
With authorities still investigating, university officials urged students and others not to spread unverified claims about what happened.
“Because this is an active investigation, we ask that everyone refrain from speculation and from sharing unverified information, out of respect for the family and those who are grieving,” the university said.
The request comes as members of the campus community seek answers while officials work to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
For now, official information about the incident remains limited, and authorities have not announced a cause or manner of death.
Counseling and Support Offered on Campus
The university said it is providing resources to people affected by the student’s death. Those resources include counseling, pastoral care and other forms of support for students, faculty and staff.
The university also expressed gratitude to people who have offered support to the campus community during the difficult period.
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“We are grateful for the prayers and kindness of our neighbors, alumni, and friends, and we ask that you keep the family and our campus in your prayers,” the school said.
The statement reflected the broader impact of the student’s death on a university community that is now grieving.
University Shares Message of Comfort
Truett McConnell University concluded its statement by sharing a passage from Psalm 34:18:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
The message came as students and university employees were being offered support while the investigation continues. At this time, authorities have not reported evidence of foul play, but officials have not completed their investigation.
Additional information could become available as the examination and investigation move forward.
For the student’s family, friends and classmates, the focus now remains on mourning the loss while respecting the privacy of those closest to him.
As the investigation continues, what message would you share with the student’s family, friends and the Truett McConnell University community during this difficult time? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.
