Sept. 12, 2003

Contact: Todd Cohen, University Relations, (785) 864-8858.

Chancellor's statement on death of student Eric J. Wellhausen

University of Kansas Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway made the following statement in response to the death of Eric J. Wellhausen, a freshman from Mount Prospect, Ill., who died early this morning. A news release from the KU Public Safety Office follows the statement. The university's Counseling and Psychological Services is offering grief counseling to students.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Eric Wellhausen. Our hearts go out to his parents, family and friends. On behalf of the entire University of Kansas community, I offer our deepest condolences."

Death of student under investigation

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

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas Public Safety Office is investigating a student's death that occurred at Oliver Hall early this morning.

The student has been identified as Eric J. Wellhausen, 18, a freshman from Mount Prospect, Ill. The next of kin have been notified.

The KU Public Safety Office was called to Oliver Hall, 1815 Naismith Drive, by residence hall staff at 2:06 a.m., and officers arrived two minutes later. Wellhausen was found on the ground beneath his seventh-floor room.

Lawrence/Douglas County Fire and Medical personnel arrived and continued CPR efforts that had been started at the scene. Wellhausen was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

No foul play is suspected in this death; however, with any unattended death on campus, the circumstances surrounding the death are being thoroughly investigated by the KU Public Safety Office and the coroner's investigators. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed later this morning.