Troy University News

September 10, 2004

Contact:
Tom Davis : (334) 670-3196; tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

Troy University student found dead Friday morning, foul play not suspected

   A Troy University freshman was found dead in her residence hall room Friday morning, but local law enforcement officials believe at this time foul play was not the cause of her death.
   The student, Kassander Cherelle Gillis, 18, of Creola, was found by her roommate on the floor of their Clements Hall room around 7 a.m. , according to Herbert Reeves, dean of student services. When Ms. Gillis did not respond, her roommate contacted the resident assistant who placed an emergency call to Troy City Police and Haynes Ambulance Service at 7:04 a.m.
   “All indications at this time are the young lady died of natural causes,” Jerry Williams, Pike County coroner, said. “The exact cause of death will be determined by post-mortem medical examination by state forensic officers.”
   Reeves said law enforcement authorities have already released the room back to the University.
   Reeves said he talked with Ms. Gillis’ suitemate, who said she last saw Ms. Gillis around 2 a.m. The suitemate said she noticed that Ms. Gillis stayed in the restroom an “extraordinarily” long time, Reeves said.
   “The suitemate asked Ms. Gillis if she was okay, and Ms. Gillis said she was,” Reeves said.
   Reeves also said there was no indication of alcohol use or illegal drug use by Ms. Gillis.
   Reeves said he met with other residents of Clements Hall around 8 a.m. Friday to brief them on the incident.
   “We assured them that the authorities did not find any obvious indications of foul play and that no foul play is suspected at this time, and we told them that the exact cause of death could not be determined until the post-mortem investigation is conducted by the state. We also told them that the University has no control over the timing of that examination, so it could be weeks before we know the official cause of death.”
   Reeves added that university counselors were on hand at the meeting and will be available to students should the need for their services arise. To request counseling services, Reeves said, students can call his office at (334) 670-3203 or Fran Scheel, who is in charge of personal counseling at the University, at (334) 670-3700.
   Reeves also said a professional staff member was assigned to Clements Hall to answer questions for residents who may not have been able to attend the Friday-morning meeting.
   Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor, said the Troy University community is saddened by Ms. Gillis’ death.
   “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gillis family at this time,” Dr. Hawkins said.
   Agencies investigating the incident were Troy University Police Department, City of Troy Police Department, Pike County Coroner’s Office, Pike County District Attorney’s Office and the State of Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.