Southern Arkansas University President Trey Berry announced shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday that a student had died in his residence hall.
At 5:55 p.m. on Monday, Berry sent an email to SAU students; the email opened with Berry writing “we experience heartbreak yet again.”
According to the email, Carrington Jackson, 22, of Winchester passed away in his residence hall from apparent natural causes.
Berry’s email informed recipients that “per protocol”, Carrington’s body would be sent to the state medical examiner for an autopsy. He also stated that SAU counseling services were available and encouraged anyone in need to utilize the services.
SAU police were seen at Talbot Hall Wednesday afternoon as SAU staff members asked students to leave the area outside the residence hall.
Dr. Susan Allen, Vice President of Student Affairs at SAU, said on Thursday that University police responded to the scene when a call was made by the school’s Housing Department. She said a police report has not yet been made, but that one would be.
Allen stated that autopsy records are confidential per Arkansas code so long as they remain in the possession of the state crime lab.
“Once they leave the custody of the crime lab, however, the reports are subject to the FOIA unless another exemption … is applicable,” messaged Dr. Allen.
The Sister2Sister organization is planning a balloon release memorial on August 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the mall area on campus, Allen said.
Wednesday’s announcement follows a shooting incident that took place on SAU’s campus last Monday, Aug. 11, that left senior physics engineering student Joshua Keshun Smith, of Sparkman, dead and another student injured.
Four individuals, including two students who were to play football for the Muleriders this year and one former Mulerider football player, have been arrested in connection to the shooting incident. They are currently being held without bond at the Columbia County Jail.