CHARLOTTESVILLE 鈥 A man was found dead Monday morning outside the University of Virginia Rotunda from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
UVa has identified the man as an alumnus, a graduate of the class of 2019, but said it would be withholding his name.
鈥淥ut of respect for the family鈥檚 privacy, we are not able to share the individual鈥檚 identity at this time, but officials have confirmed that the deceased is a 2019 graduate of the University,鈥 Kenyon Bonner, UVa鈥檚 chief student affairs officer, said in an email to students and parents.
Listen now and subscribe: | | | |
University police were dispatched shortly after 4:30 a.m. to reports of shots fired on the south side of the Rotunda, the iconic domed structure at the center of the Thomas Jefferson-designed Academical Village.
鈥淭hey found a deceased male who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound,鈥 UVa said in a statement issued later in the morning.
鈥淎fter securing the weapon, they initiated an investigation, which is currently ongoing.鈥 UVa students are preparing for final examinations, which begin this coming Friday. Final Exercises at UVa, which typically occur steps away from where the dead body was found, are scheduled for the weekend of May 16 through 18.
鈥淲e understand this incident may cause distress to our community, especially given its proximity to where so many of us study, work, and live,鈥 Bonner said in his email to the university community. 鈥淲e also know that the period surrounding end-of-semester exams can already be challenging 鈥 and we want to make sure you鈥檙e aware of the University鈥檚 resources to support students.鈥 Students in need of support have access to:
24/7 virtual support via TimelyCare’s TalkNow. The TalkNow web and mobile apps connect those in need with a counselor from anywhere at any time. More information can be found at .
24/7 urgent support for more immediate crises via the Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, hotline at (434) 243-5150 or the Care and Support Services, or CASS, hotline at (434) 924-7133 during business hours and (434) 924-7166 after hours.
