Drexel University men's basketball player Terrence Butler found dead inside on-campus apartment
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Terrence Butler, a forward on the Drexel men's basketball team, was found dead inside his on-campus apartment on Wednesday morning, the university announced.
The Philadelphia medical examiner said Thursday that Butler died by suicide.
"The Drexel University community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Terrence Butler, an undergraduate student in our College of Engineering and member of the men's basketball team," a university statement said.
Butler, a 6-foot-7 forward from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, would've been entering his junior year with the Dragons.
In two seasons at Drexel, Butler played in a total of eight games due to injuries. He was named to the CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll as a sophomore.
Butler graduated from Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland. In 2021, he was a McDonald's All-American nominee after being Bishop McNamara's most valuable player in 2019.
Butler was the son of Terrence and Dena Butler, and the youngest of three children. Both of his sisters, Tasia and Tiara, played basketball at James Madison and Syracuse.
"On behalf of the entire Drexel community, we extend our deepest sympathy to Terrence's family, friends and teammates. In addition to being a student-athlete, Terrence was involved in numerous activities and organizations at Drexel and was a friend to many throughout the University community," the university said in a release.
The university also said in that release that Drexel's Counseling Center is available to offer services to all students in need of support.
The La Salle men's basketball team released a statement on Twitter about Butler's passing.
"The La Salle men's basketball program is deeply saddened by the passing of Drexel men's basketball student-athlete Terrence Butler," the statement read. "Our sincere condolences go out to the Butler family and to the entire Drexel community impacted by this tragic event."
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). CBS News Philadelphia also has a list of mental health resources.
For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.
