An 18-year-old Purdue University student, identified as Connor Simmons, was found dead on campus Sunday afternoon, as reported by WISH-TV. The Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office and Purdue University Police Department are currently investigating the incident. According to a statement obtained by FOX59, Connor was discovered at around 4:36 p.m. in Wiley Residence Hall on North Martin Jischke Drive.
Tippecanoe County Coroner Carrie Costello, who announced the autopsy performed on Monday, has not yet determined Connor's cause of death and is awaiting toxicology results that might take several weeks to procure. While speaking on the nature of the young student's demise, Costello told WISH-TV, "There was no significant trauma or injuries found during the autopsy. No foul play is suspected at this time."
The Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office emphasized, in a release, "Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family, and we hope they are respected at this time." Meanwhile, mourning the loss of the student, Lafayette Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School, where Connor was a 2024 graduate, turned to their Facebook page and announced a vigil to be held in his memory, as reported by WISH-TV.
The school at 2410 S. Ninth St. in Lafayette will host an event today at 6:30 p.m. for friends and loved ones to come together and offer prayers for Connor and his family, according to Journal & Courier. Connor Simmons's death has affected the campus, and the university community is looking for answers as they wait for the investigation to conclude.
