Cause of Denison student's death remains unknown

GRANVILLE – The cause of death for Denison University student Wendell Jackson remains unknown following a news conference at mid-day Tuesday with Granville Police and university officials.

Officials said, however, that foul play has been ruled out in the case and there was no weapon found around Jackson's body.

Jackson was found at 8:40 a.m. Tuesday in the Denison University Bio Reserve by a Denison community service officer, according to a Granville police report.

The Licking County Coroner's Office was called to the bio reserve, but no information was available about the cause of death Tuesday afternoon.

Jackson's body was discovered by searchers after an "extensive" search, officials said. In the mid-day press conference, Denison officials noted that 700 students participated in that search.

His body was found on the south end of the bio reserve, the police report said.

Police and Denison Security officials would not comment on the manner of Jackson's death, but said a note had been found in his room.

"How that relates to this case has yet to be determined," Denison Safety Department director Dan Hect said about the note at the noon briefing.

The investigation is being turned over to the Licking County Sheriff's Office, Granville Police Chief Bill Caskey said, even though Jackson was found within the Granville village limits.

"The Licking County Sheriff's Office has extensive experience in conducting this type of investigation," Caskey said. "We wanted to avail ourselves of their experience."

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In a prepared statement, Caskey said Denison employees, volunteers, and members of the Granville Township Fire Department assisted police in the search.

"Electronic methods were used to attempt to track Mr. Jackson's phone, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol flew over the area with Forward Looking Infra Red cameras," Caskey said.

The police report also indicated that early Monday evening Jackson's cell phone was "pinged," which indicated the latitude and longitude where the phone was located, pinpointing the bio reserve. However, searchers were unable to locate the phone or other evidence, the report said, and agencies involved in the search were called off at 11 p.m.

Police investigators also checked area bus stations and taxi services once Jackson had been reported missing, the police report said.

Denison personnel continued the search throughout the night, the police report said, with assistance from the Ohio Highway Patrol helicopter.

Jackson is the second Denison University student to be found dead in the past year and a half. In February 2014, senior David Hallman was found off campus after he had been reported missing for 24 hours, apparently dying from exposure in sub-zero temperatures.

Asked if Jackson's death would prompt additional precautionary or preventive efforts regarding student safety, Vice President of Student Development Laurel Kennedy said the university is proactive in that regard.

""We have two very different scenarios here," she said of the two incidents. "We continue to be very aggressive in our education around the kinds of concerns that can affect students' health and well-being."

Denison spokeswoman Ginny Sharkey said Denison staff is well trained and well placed for student safety, saying, "Students feel comfortable reaching out if they feel they need help."

Classes at the university have been canceled and his family had been notified, according to the Denison University Twitter page.

Jackson was an resident assistant on campus, an admissions host who introduced future students to the campus and a graduate of the school's LeaderShape Program, according to an alert sent out by the university.

"(He was) a student we're all proud to call a Denisonian," the alert read. "Our community is a special one and we have lost one of our own."

Swasey Chapel will be open all day for students, faculty and staff to gather and share memories of Jackson, according to the alert. A memorial service is being planned.

Caskey, calling Jackson's death "an isolated tragedy," was critical of social media messages that had been circulated about the incident, calling them "irresponsible." He did not cite examples of any of the comments.

Jackson had not been seen since Sunday evening despite two thorough searches of campus, the university reported Monday night.

According to a Granville police report, the student was reported missing by Jackson's girlfriend at 3:40 p.m. Monday.

"We had been able to determine at that time Wendell had not been in communication for 24 hours," Kennedy said. "That was a concern for us."

The 21-year-old from Chicago was last seen in an academic building on campus between 5 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Sharkey said.

Jackson did not return to his residence hall Sunday night and did not go to any classes Monday, Sharkey said.

Students who want to speak to a counselor can find assistance at Curtis West Lounge and Whisler Health Center. The health center's staff will remain available for students in the coming days, according to the alert.