Luke Tyler death: WSU launches investigation after freshman’s body was found in Pullman campus dorm
PULLMAN, WASHINGTON: Washington State University has asserted that they are working with investigators and a coroner to find out the reason behind a freshman’s death. The remains of Luke Tyler were reportedly found on January 22 inside the Perham Hall dorm on the University’s Pullman campus.
Though the 19-year-old’s death cause, as well as manner, are not known yet, investigators have currently ruled out any foul play. Besides, a statement has also been issued by Phil Weiler, who is the Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Washington State University.
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According to KXLY, Weiler shared, “Whenever a student death occurs, WSU has a specific protocol it follows with procedures that are put in place out of respect for both the families and the investigative process. The university will not disclose any information that could inadvertently disrupt the work of the coroner’s office or law enforcement officials.”
He continued, “The coroner’s office is the agency responsible for releasing the name of the decedent. The coroner’s office also determines the cause and manner of death. The WSU Police Department is working with the coroner’s office to investigate the student’s death, as it would with any death on campus,” before warning against any controversial theory or speculations.
“There has been a significant amount of conjecture regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident and the actual cause of the student’s passing. I would caution the public against speculation at this point in the investigation. The facts in this case are still being gathered. It could be several weeks before the coroner’s office determines the cause and manner of death. We want to ensure that the investigation can proceed unimpeded,” the statement by Weiler concluded.
This comes as a petition has been initiated to demand justice for Tyler. The Change.org plea alleged that the young man died because of “a long and cruel pledging process allowed by his fraternity, theta chi.” It noted, “Their inhumane and cruel hazing forced Luke, and many others to do things nobody should ever be forced to do. We demand that Theta Chi be investigated, shut down and the fraternity’s president, as well as pledge masters and others with power in the fraternity be investigated for their involvement with the death of Luke Tyler.”
“Luke was truly an amazing person with an incredible affect on everyone whose life he touched, he deserves Justice. Please sign to bring awareness to our cause and help bring WSU’s attention to this issue so that those responsible see appropriate consequences, and to help prevent anybody else from being hurt,” the petition added.
Besides, a GoFundMe has received $11,233 for Tyler’s funeral. The message on it read, “We are overwhelmed with the immense generosity, compassion and kindness you have shown to Luke and our family through your donations. With your donations, it is our intention to pay for his memorial service and make a large donation in his name to a cause that he cared a lot about. We are looking into options that will allow us to pay his legacy of kindness forward. At this time, we are going to turn off the GoFundMe until we have more details on what charity or cause we will choose.”