The person found dead in a wooded area near Penn Pavilion Sunday morning has been identified and is not a member of the Duke community, the University announced Tuesday afternoon.
“We have been in touch with the family and want to express our deep sympathies for their loss,” Vice President for Administration Kyle Cavanaugh said in a press release. “Out of respect for the family, we will not be releasing any other details regarding this case.”
The death was initially announced Sunday. At the time of the initial press release, the person was not believed to be a student. On Tuesday afternoon, Paul Grantham, assistant vice president for communication services, wrote in an email to The Chronicle that there was "no indication that the individual had any affiliation with the University."
Foul play is not suspected in the person's death.
The Chronicle reached out to Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations, Sunday afternoon to ask if more information was available. He directed The Chronicle to the press release and did not provide further information.
The Duke University Police Department was said to be investigating the incident Sunday. The Chronicle reached out to DUPD Chief John Dailey on Sunday and Monday to request more information. He forwarded The Chronicle's requests to Grantham, assistant vice president for communication services, who said DUPD "[does] not have any additional details to release as of yet."
The Durham police blotter did not show any crimes related to the incident or in the area reported on Sunday. Additionally, the weekly DUPD summary from Nov. 1 to 7 did not mention an event at Penn Pavilion, although it may have been because no foul play was suspected.
As of 3:20 p.m. Tuesday, Duke has not reached out to students, faculty or staff regarding the finding of the body. A DukeAlert was not issued because officers determined "no risk" to the community.
Mental health resources are available below for those who may need them at this time:
Mental health and wellness resources for the 2021-22 year
A list of mental health resources for people of color at Duke and in Durham
A list of local mental health resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community
Editor's note: This article was updated twice Tuesday to include new information from Duke administrators and communication officials.
Chris Kuo contributed reporting.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.
Nadia Bey, Trinity '23, was managing editor for The Chronicle's 117th volume and digital strategy director for Volume 118.