A Pennsylvania State University sophomore was found dead in his dorm room, university officials say.
William Denton, 19, was found dead in his room at Miller Hall, on the university’s State College campus, on Monday night.
The Centre County Coroner told the Daily Collegian that Denton ‘probably’ died on Sunday and that he was the ‘only person in the room’.
William Denton, 19, was found dead in his Pennsylvania State University dorm room on Monday night
The county coroner said ‘probably’ died on Sunday. His cause of death is not known. Pictured is the State College campus’s Miller Hall, where he lived
The health policy and administration major was found by university police after his family, who is from North Carolina, had requested university officials to conduct a ‘wellness check’.
The cause of death of Denton, who was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, will be determined in an autopsy.
The death coincided with an incident at the residence hall.
The Penn State Police crime log listed a ‘request for assistance’ with regard to ‘possession of an unknown drug/possession of paraphernelia/health and safety’.
In an email to the Collegian, university spokeswoman Lisa Powers said: ‘Our deepest sympathy is offered to William’s family and friends during this time of great sadness and loss.’
Denton, 19, was a health policy and administration major and a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity
In a statement to student newspaper Onward State, Alpha Tau Omega National CEO said: ‘Will’s chapter-mates, all alumni of the Gamma Omega chapter and ATOs across the nation mourn his tragic loss. Will joined ATO in the fall of 2016.’
Denton’s death comes less than a year after the death of Penn State student Timothy Piazza.
The 19-year-old engineering student from New Jersey died after consuming 18 alcoholic beverages in just under 90 minutes as part of a hazing ritual for Beta Theta Pi fraternity and then suffering injuries when he tumbled down flights of stairs on the night of February 2.
He fell unconscious at this point and multiple fraternity members, rather than calling medical help, physically attacked or ignored him.
Twelve hours after the incident, emergency medical assistance was called.
On the morning of February 4, he was pronounced dead.
At least 26 fraternity members now face charges related to his death including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, hazing and furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor.