Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia is devastated by the death of first-year student Lewis Rockwell Fish, according to Rodney Bennett, vice president for student affairs. Bennett’s comments came during a media briefing and as UGA police continued to investigate Fish’s death, today.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the students, the faculty and staff and all the people who knew him and will be affected by this scenario,” Bennett said.
The 19-year old, a resident of Russell Hall, was pronounced dead on scene, his room in Russell Hall, by the Athens-Clarke County Coroner at 10:30 a.m., Jan. 22, said UGA Police Chief Jimmy Williamson.
University Police officers responded to a call of a sick person at that location at approximately 8:36 a.m. Emergency Medical Services also responded. An initial police report indicates that alcohol may be involved in the death. Police do not suspect foul play.
“Under aged consumption is a national issue,” Bennett said, indicating that a student dying from alcohol consumption is a college campus’s greatest fear. “Our greatest fear at UGA has been realized.”
Bennett said he hopes the incident will inspire other students to make better decisions about alcohol use.
University officials have made counseling and psychological services available to those who may need it.
An official cause of death will be determined upon completion of an autopsy and toxicology report, according to Williamson.
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