East Northport student found dead in New Paltz dorm, cops say
A college student from East Northport was found dead in his dorm room at SUNY New Paltz on Sunday.
College officials said there was no foul play — and that a cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy.
In a statement, New Paltz officials said junior Thomas O’Rourke, a biology major, was discovered by University Police in response to a 911 call.
Police found O’Rourke not breathing and nonresponsive, officials said. No time was given; officials said only that O’Rourke was found in the afternoon.
“The death of a student is one of the most difficult issues a campus community can deal with, and this is a time to come together to support all who are affected by this loss, including the student’s friends and family,” university President Donald P. Christian said in a statement. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Thomas O’Rourke’s family and to the students, faculty, and staff on campus who knew him.”
The school said University Police, with the assistance of the medical examiner’s office, were continuing their investigation.
John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”
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