Jonah Dreskin, a 19-year-old freshman from Westchester County, was pronounced dead Wednesday night shortly after being discovered on Core Road near the Ellicott Complex sometime between 11:30 p.m. and midnight.
The Ardsley, N.Y., native was found injured in the tunnel between the Spaulding and Wilkinson Quadrangles. Officers from the University Police Department arrived at the scene shortly after.
"When they responded they saw an individual there in serious distress [and] immediately called for first aid," said Gerald Schoenle, chief of the University Police Department, in a press conference. "They started first aid themselves... He was barely conscious."
Dreskin was transported to a local hospital and passed away shortly after, according to an e-mail from Joseph Krakowiak, director of University Residence Halls & Apartments. Dreskin showed signs of serious internal injuries.
The cause of death is undetermined at this time, but university police believe he was hit by a vehicle or fell from a nearby residence hall.
"There isn't anything that we're aware of that would make this a suspicious death," said Dennis Black, vice president of Student Affairs. "Obviously, there were injuries involved but not any that would indicate any criminal activity."
University officials would not say if the incident was substance-related or if any other motive was involved.
"Until the investigation comes to a close we're unable to discuss any specific material," Black said.
However, UB officials do not believe there are any safety concerns for other students.
"There is not a risk factor that we can identify and as the investigation continues along we'll know more," said Kevin Ahuna, senior associate director for University Residence Halls & Apartments.
The University Police Department will lead the investigation because the incident occurred on campus property.
"We are going to let the investigation play out and then share the information with the family and then the campus," Black said.
University police are looking for people who were on the Spaulding end of Core Road around the time of the incident, according to Black. Police are asking any student that has information about the incident to call 645-2222.
UB offered counseling services for mourning students and faculty Thursday in Spaulding Hall, where Dreskin was a resident. Students can also visit the Counseling Services office located at 120 Richmond during regular hours.
There will not be a memorial service for Dreskin until May, when the university will hold an event honoring the lives of all students who passed during the semester, according to Black.
In the meantime, individuals and groups are finding their own ways to remember Dreskin.
"Today, our UB community is in mourning over the loss of fellow student Jonah Dreskin," said Student Association President Peter Grollitsch in a statement. "On behalf of the entire Student Association, our hearts and thoughts go out to Jonah's family and friends."
