Student death on SUNY New Paltz campus; no foul play

NEW PALTZ – SUNY New Paltz junior Thomas O’Rourke, a biology major from East Northport, N.Y., was found non-responsive in his residence hall room on campus this afternoon. University Police responded to a 911 call and found the student was not breathing. University Police believe there was no foul play or any threat to other members of the campus community. A cause of death is pending.

“The death of a student is one of the most difficult issues a campus community can deal with, and this is a time to come together to support all who are affected by this loss, including the student’s friends and family,” said President Donald P. Christian. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Thomas O’Rourke’s family and to the students, faculty, and staff on campus who knew him.”

Residence Life staff and counselors from the Psychological Counseling Center are on the scene to provide grief counseling and assistance to students who knew and lived with Thomas. University Police, with the assistance of the Medical Examiner’s Office, are continuing their investigation and request that anyone with information please notify University Police at 257-2222.