June 12, 2002

Contact: Schuyler Bailey, Public Safety, (785) 864-5900.

Statement by chancellor on death of KU employee Samuel Cooper Sparks

University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway made the following statement in response to the death today of Samuel Cooper Sparks, 21, Lawrence. Mr. Sparks, a custodial specialist for the student housing department since March 25, was found dead this morning at Lewis Hall. Police say there is no indication of any foul play; the investigation is continuing. The university's Counseling and Psychological Services is offering grief-counseling services to student housing employees.

"On behalf of the university, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cooper, as he was known to friends and co-workers. Although he had only recently joined the university, he quickly established himself as a young man with a strong work ethic who was very well liked. He will be missed."

Press release from KU Office of Public Safety:

LAWRENCE -- Officers from the University of Kansas Public Safety Office are investigating an unattended death that occurred in Lewis Hall.

Police received a call at 5:45 a.m. from a housing employee stating a body had been found on the first floor.

The body was found in a mechanical room by a supervisor reporting for work. The body was identified as Samuel C. Sparks, a 21-year-old Lawrence resident and maintenance employee in the building

There are no indications of any criminal activity surrounding the death at this time. The investigation of the circumstances is continuing.

The body was released to Douglas County Coroner Erik Mitchell.