The death of a freshman found by his roommates in their Wilkinson Quad dorm room Sunday night has been confirmed a suicide by the medical examiner's office, according to university officials.
Friends of the deceased student identified him to The Spectrum as 19-year-old Zachary Emerton, a computer engineering major from Liverpool, N.Y.
University administrators declined to confirm the victim's name and are not releasing further details regarding the incident at this time.
"It's a suicide and we're going to respect the privacy of the individual involved," said Dennis Black, vice president for Student Affairs.
Emerton's parents were notified Sunday evening and arrived at the university Monday, according to John Grela, director of University Police.
"He was the greatest guy no matter what anyone thinks about people who commit suicide," said Danielle Wilbur, a friend of the victim. "He was a great guy. He was our best friend, our family here."
Wilbur said that on Saturday, the day before his death, she and Emerton watched a movie with some friends.
"It was the happiest we've seen him in a long time," said Wilbur.
According to Wilbur, Emerton had never specifically discussed killing himself with his friends.
"Every time someone kills themselves you never expect it," she said. "He never ever said anything along the lines of suicide."
Wilbur said that although she and others know why Emerton chose to take his life, she does not want to make the information public.
"We don't think it is anyone's business but his closest friends," said Wilbur.
Counseling has been available, for those who knew Emerton, since Sunday night in the Wilkinson Coffee House and the Richmond Quad Counseling Center.
Counseling Center Director Kathleen Scott and Assistant Director Veronica Lugris were unavailable for comment.
"They had a large number of students [in the coffee house] last night," said Black. "They will continue to work in the Wilkinson Quad as long as there is demand."
According to Dean of Student Affairs Barbara Ricotta, suicide is not a common occurrence but has occurred on campus before.
"Counseling [is available] for the friends of the victim," said Ricotta. "We try to offer as much support as possible to the family."
Ricotta said the demand for counseling will be assessed after spring break to determine whether counseling should continue to be offered in the coffee house. If not, those seeking professional help can continue to attend the Richmond Counseling Center.
"Our goal is to provide any kind of service or support that any students who knew him need," said Ricotta.
Although Ricotta would not comment on the status of Emerton's roommates or whether they would be relocated, she said they are being assisted by the university.
"We're working with them individually to help them with whatever they need," said Ricotta.
