Police are awaiting a toxicology report for a Syracuse University student found dead on the first floor of DellPlain Hall at approximately 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Chancellor Nancy Cantor sent an email to students on Friday evening identifying the student as Courtenay Nash, a freshman economics major from McLean, Va. Cantor said Nash died unexpectedly, but did not provide further detail.

‘Our hearts are with Courtenay’s family, friends near and far, and all members of the SU community whose lives she touched,’ Cantor said in the email.

Police do not believe the death is criminal in nature, Syracuse Police Department spokesman Sgt. Tom Connellan said.

‘We are still very early on in our investigation, but there is no concern for public safety here at the university,’ he said at a press conference Friday.

At least seven emergency vehicles were at the scene in front of the residence hall off University Avenue. Students said police told them they were not permitted on the first floor but could access all other floors of the residence hall. Students inside the residence hall were questioned by DPS officers for more information.

Connellan denied media the opportunity to ask any additional questions Friday.

Department of Public Safety Chief Tony Callisto said at the press conference the death is a tragedy for the university community.

‘Our hearts go out to the families,’ he said. ‘We will provide any further information that we can as soon as we get it.’

The university will not be making any additional statements out of respect for the family, Erin Kane, associate vice president for public relations at SU, said in an email Friday. The Counseling Center, Hendricks Chapel, and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program are available to help students, faculty and staff through the grieving process.

meltagou@syr.edu

egsawyer@syr.edu

-Asst. Copy Editor Maddy Berner contributed reporting to this article. 

Published on March 25, 2012 at 12:00 pm