WebProNews

Tag: college student found dead

  • Missing SIU Student Found Dead In Woods

    The desperate search for a Southern Illinois University student who had been missing since last week has ended in tragedy.

    Earlier today, the body of SIU student Pravin Varughese was found in Carbondale, Illinois. According to police, Varughese was found dead in the wooded area near 1400-block of East Main Street.

    Prior to the discovery, nearly 200 family members and friends of Varughese came together to search for him. A reward of $15,000 was offered for any information that would help determine his whereabouts.

    The 19-year-old was said to have been missing since Wednesday, February 12th, having exited a party that he was attending with a cousin and roommate.

    Investigators learned that an individual, possibly the last person to see Varughese alive, attempted to give him a ride home. He could not tell the driver where he lived, and a verbal spat erupted shortly thereafter. Varughese got out of the car and headed towards the woods.

    According to the individual this occurred at about 11 pm. It would be the last time anyone saw the SIU student alive.

    There were no obvious signs of trauma to the body and no indication of foul play. It is being assumed at the moment that due to being dressed so light and lacking a winter coat, he died of exposure.

    According to Chief O’Guin, “The difficult terrain and low temperatures are believed to have contributed to Pravin’s difficulty finding his way out of the wooded area.”

    The Jackson County Coroner’s office is still working to determine the cause of death. Police have not yet learned whether drugs or alcohol played a role in Varughese’s death. Law enforcement is at present waiting on related results.

    Southern Illinois University released the following statement through its spokesperson Rae Goldsmith:

    “This is a moment of unimaginable sorrow for the entire SIU community, our thoughts are with Pravin’s family and all those who mourn his loss”.

    Image via Youtube

  • College Student Found Dead In Dorm, Questions Arise

    College student Nicholas Brastins Barnes, a junior at the University of Chicago, was found dead in his dorm room on Saturday afternoon, and officials say they believe he passed away at least a week before his body was discovered. Now, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered.

    Barnes’ dorm room was investigated after other students in the house complained of a foul smell, and police say the last time he used his key card to enter the dorm was February 7. While they don’t suspect foul play or suicide, the question of why his absence went unnoticed for so long is troublesome to investigators.

    “It’s uncomfortable,” said resident Ryo Atnei. “I can’t believe no one noticed.”

    University officials say they are doing all they can to figure out why Barnes was able to go undetected for so long, and reached out to his family in a statement.

    “University staff are making every effort to understand the circumstances surrounding Nicholas’ death,” Karen Warren Coleman, vice president for campus life and student services, said in the statement. “Our thoughts are with Nicholas’ family and friends … and all who are touched by this loss. Nicholas was an excellent student, admired by faculty and peers alike.”

    As news of the shocking discovery spread around campus, many students expressed sadness and disbelief that a person could be completely under the radar for so long on a bustling campus.

    “It was just really surprising to me to think somebody on this campus could go unnoticed for so long,” student Tinley Melvin said. “It’s everyone’s worst fear that they would be so anonymous.”

    Although police have ruled out suicide, a toxicology report is pending for Barnes. His family is planning a funeral in Pennsylvania, and the school will hold a memorial service for him. He was 20 years old.

    Image via Thinkstock