At around 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, a deceased male was found in the 250 block of E. Grace Street in Harrisonburg on the JMU campus.
The university released a statement that says they do not believe the individual to be a JMU student, faculty, or staff member, but still offer their condolences to the individual’s family and friends.
According to Virginia State Police the remains will be transported to Roanoke for autopsy, examination, and positive identification.
VSP also reports that as of now, the death does not appear to be suspicious in nature.
JMU President Alger released the following statement:
Dear JMU Community,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to all of you tonight. We continue to process the loss of one of our students from last week and the tragedy at Bridgewater College. Today, an individual died on our campus and while it is our understanding at this time that they were not a JMU student, faculty or staff member, this has shaken all of us. We offer our deepest condolences to their family and friends.
In order to give our community the time and space we need, the university will cancel Assessment Day and no classes will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 8. We will also be providing additional spaces for students to meet with counseling professionals experienced with loss during the times below on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
Meeting times and locations for students:
- 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in Taylor 302
- 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in Taylor 303
- 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in Festival Conference room 7
For additional support please reach out to:
- Counseling Center, 540-568-6552
- Dean of Students Office, 540-568-6468
- After-hours mental health emergency support, 540-568-6552, press "1"
- Sentara RMH Emergency Department, 540-689-1414
- Self-Help resources available through the University Counseling Center
- TAO mental health resources
- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor
- Counseling Center’s Additional 24/7 Emergency Resource Information
These difficult moments can often lead to overwhelming feelings and questions. Please know that you are a valued member of the JMU community and we care deeply about each of you. I encourage you to support each other, to check in on your friends and colleagues, and to seek additional support if you feel you may need it. We are planning additional ways to come together as a community in support, solidarity and hope in the days and weeks to come.
With caring thoughts,
Jonathan Alger, President
Read more HERE
Photo: Getty Images