Editor’s Note: This story mentions death.
UPDATED: As of 1:47 p.m. CDT, the story was amended for sensitivity.
UPDATED: This story was updated at 3:20 p.m. CDT to include a 3:01 p.m. CDT Vanderbilt Student Affairs email to students conveying that an undergraduate student passed away near the 25th Avenue Garage, more about the student and mental health resources on campus.
Metro Nashville Police Department received a call at 6:44 a.m. CDT on Oct. 31 reporting a corpse at 2401 Highland Avenue, the address of 25th Avenue Parking Garage.
Students walking to class this morning reported seeing the body partially covered by a yellow tarp outside the parking garage. Police officers were on the scene and had closed off access to the area.
As of publication at 1 p.m. CDT, no notification was sent to students about the incident, and the university did not provide a comment to The Hustler.
Senior Tyler McMahon said he saw the scene while driving to campus for his 8 a.m. class.
“I saw police cars, and the road to turn into the garage was closed off. I did a quick loop around, and when I came back, the road was opened up, but there were even more police cars,” McMahon said. “I started to put the pieces together [after seeing part of the body uncovered] but was still pretty shocked.”
McMahon used this morning as a reminder to check in on loved ones.
“This is a good time to remember to be there for all your friends and loved ones, even at times when it doesn’t seem necessary,” McMahon said.
Sophomore Jo Rydberg walked past the parking garage on her way to class and said she saw police officers around the body.
“The body was not fully covered,” Rydberg said. “People were standing around giving statements, and the whole parking lot was taped off with yellow crime scene tape.”
Rydberg said that even though the scene was blocked off, students were able to walk on the sidewalk a few feet away from the body.
“It was a very disturbing thing to see,” Rydberg said.
As of 11:45 a.m. CDT, sophomore Ruhi Patel told The Hustler the body was no longer in the lot.
An email from Student Affairs, signed by Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, G.L. Black, reached students at 3:01 p.m. CDT to alert them to the passing of an undergraduate student. Black sent condolences to friends and family, remembered the student and included mental health resources on campus in the message.
“The passing of a friend, peer, or classmate is an incredibly challenging experience. During this time, please remember the importance of reaching out for support from available resources and caring for one another,” the email read. “Whether it’s through talking with friends or connecting with Vanderbilt’s Student Care Network, please know that support is available for anyone who may need it. Checking in with those around you, even with a simple conversation, can make a meaningful difference.”
This piece will be updated as more information becomes available. The name of the student has not been included at this time out of respect for their family, friends and privacy.
Editor’s Note: Experiencing grief when one loses a member of our community is a normal response to a very sad and difficult situation. The Student Care Network suggests that you ask for help from your friends and family and use Vanderbilt’s resources to develop skills to help you process and grieve. If you are struggling with mental health, you can reach the University Counseling Center at (615) 322-2571 or their Crisis Text Line by texting VANDY to 741741. If you have a friend that needs support, complete a student of concern report to help them get connected.
