Updated: WKU police investigate death at fraternity house. No foul play suspected
Western Kentucky University police are investigating a death that happened at a fraternity house, according to the university and the Warren County Coroner’s Office.
The death happened at the WKU Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house, which is off campus on Chestnut Street in Bowling Green. Phillip Wheeler, from the coroner’s office, said the student was a man and the coroner’s office was investigating the death as a suicide.
Paul Burton with the WKU Police Department identified the student as John “Jay” Howard, 21. Burton said Howard was from Kentucky but not Bowling Green.
Jace Lux, a spokesperson for WKU, confirmed the student death and said campus police were investigating.
“WKU is working directly with students who may be most affected by this loss, but we encourage any students in need of counseling to seek support from the WKU Counseling Center by calling 270-745-3159,” Lux said in an email statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, loved ones and friends.”
The coroner’s office was on-scene at the fraternity house Wednesday afternoon.
An investigation by the WKU Police Department is ongoing.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those who want to help someone else. Call 988 to speak with a trained listener or visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or more information.
This story was originally published February 8, 2024 at 9:44 AM.
