Tragedy befell Corvallis and Oregon State University on Monday, April 5, with the unexpected death of a 20 year old OSU student on the south side of campus.
The University Police Department has confirmed that the student’s passing was not a case of foul play and that there is no active investigation related to it. However the school has also been overall quiet about the case to the wider Corvallis community, and have not shared any details about this student’s death. In this particular case, we have chosen not to include the name of the student in the interest of respecting him and his family.
Only The Daily Barometer reported on this incident through a brief April 8 article announcing additional counseling services offered to students. While the sensitivity of the case of a young death and the family’s desire for privacy are understandable, it is also important for a community to be informed and aware of what occurs in our neighborhoods.
We initially reached out to OSU’s Public Safety Department and Chief of Police Shanon Anderson for comment on Monday, April 12. On Wednesday, April 14, Anderson offered comment on the case, sharing her condolences to all those who were impacted by the student’s death and saying that OSU had hosted a virtual gathering in his honor on April 9.
In addition to the incident remaining largely unreported, Anderson said she could not discuss the nature or location of the student’s death beyond the fact that it occurred on campus. Anderson also shared a concern that publicising details of any tragic incident may “trigger copycats.” But from the perspective of a journalist and a community member, it is also the role of a sensitive and educated communicator to determine what the community may need to know.
Anderson, upon being asked a third time for more details, told The Advocate that only the Benton County Medical Examiner could provide more information about the nature and specific location of death. However, upon being reached in the evening of April 14, the Benton County Medical Examiner said that only the OSU Police Department could share their report on the matter.
If you or someone you know is struggling as a result of this death or in general, please reach out and ask for help.
All Benton County residents: call 888-232-7192
All residents: text OREGON to 741-741
OSU students: call Counseling and Psychological Services 24/7 at 541-737-2131
OSU faculty/staff: call Beyond Benefits 24/7 at 1-855-327-4722
By Mariah Roberts
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