Though foul play isn’t suspected in the death of a Kent State University student whose body was found in his dorm room, investigators aren’t yet sure how he died.
James Barnes, 26, of Midland, Pa., was found dead in Leebrick Hall Sunday by university personnel who were investigating after a family member notified them that Barnes hadn’t been heard from.
The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office did an autopsy Monday. Portage County Coroner Roger G. Marcial said the examination didn’t immediately reveal the cause of death. He said investigators will have to rely on microscopic tissue studies to determine what happened.
Marcial said the results of the tissue studies may not be available for as long as four weeks.
“For now, foul play can be ruled out,” Marcial said, adding that there also was “no indication of a suicide.”
Toxicology results will show investigators whether Barnes had alcohol or drugs in his system.
KSU spokeswoman Emily Vincent said Barnes was a first-semester graduate student in management information services. He lived in a single room in Leebrick, a coed dorm in Tri-Towers that houses about 325 students.
KSU issued a short condolences statement Monday on its website to Barnes’ friends and family. The statement said “at no time were students in danger.” The university is offering counseling to students.
“An unexpected loss of life like this can be a difficult time, even if you did not know the individual,” the statement said.
The KSU chapter of To Write Love On Her Arms will hold a candlelight vigil in honor of Barnes at 8 p.m. Thursday by the painted rock in front of campus. The group called on its Facebook page Monday for people to take a moment in remembrance of Barnes.
“No matter what happened, or how he died, someone lost a family member,” a spokesperson for the group wrote in a Facebook post. “A mother and father lost a son. I’m asking that you all give the respect and prayers that he and his family need.”