POLICE have described the death of a young university student in Armidale as a “terrible tragedy”.
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The 19-year-old man was found dead in Austin College on the grounds of the University of New England on Wednesday afternoon.
New England Acting Inspector John Walkowiak told Fairfax Media preliminary investigations showed the death was not suspicious.
“A port-mortem will be conducted and a brief will be prepared for the coroner,” he said, confirming police would not release the name of the teenager.
“Police aren’t treating the death as suspicious ... but it is a terrible tragedy.”
The Sydney teenager lived on-campus while he was studying at UNE.
The alarm was raised by staff just after 3pm on Wednesday, after concerns were raised for the welfare of the student.
Police and paramedics were called, but the young man’s body was discovered in a room at the college.
A crime scene was set up and examined by detectives and forensic police. It will now form part of the report for the coroner, who will rule on the cause of death.
The shock death of the teenager has rocked the tight-knit college, as well as the wider university community.
Several past and present students have described their shock and sadness at the tragic event, taking to social media to offer condolences to his close friends, family and college roommates.
Austin College usually accommodates 288 students during the academic term, but many students are on holidays as the university prepares to resume the academic trimester on June 24.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for UNE said support was being offered on-campus in the wake of the death.
“The University of New England’s thoughts and condolences are with the family of the student who sadly passed away on campus,” they said.
“Counselling services are being offered to the university students and staff, through Centacare and University counsellors.
“The students are being provided with 24-hour support from college leaders and are being encouraged to take advantage of the assistance being offered.
“The University of New England’s priority during this difficult and sad time is to ensure the well-being of our community and the student’s family.”
