Man Found Dead At Occupy Denton Campsite
DENTON (CBSDFW.COM) – A man was found dead inside a tent at the Occupy Denton campsite on the University of North Texas campus Saturday afternoon, spokesman Buddy Price said.
University spokeswoman Deborah Leliaert said someone called police at 4:45 p.m. to report the body. On Sunday, officials said the man's name was Darwin Cox, 23, and that he lived in Denton. He was not listed in the UNT directory, and Leliaert said she did not think the man was a student.
Price said UNT Police has launched an investigation into the death.
Leliaert said the encampment was otherwise unoccupied because of the rainy weather. Police secured the scene after the body was found, and tents have been taken down.
UNT Police have not responded to requests for comment. The Occupy campsite is located near the Art Building on the northeast side of campus. Campus police are the lead investigators because the death happened on school grounds, Carter said.
Although the camp was not populated when police found the man's body, The North Texas Daily reported Friday that about 35 students and supporters spent two hours with the City Council at City Hall during a Thursday evening meeting. A status update on the university's Facebook page said there were eight tents at the encampment when the man's body was found.
Authorities are unsure how the man died but did not suspect foul play. Cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner. Cox died at 4:30 p.m., the ME's website says.
On Sunday, UNT President V. Lane Rawlins sent an email to staff, faculty and the student body saying he is "profoundly saddened by this tragic event." The message lists counseling locations for both employees and students, as well as hours for the campus's Goolsby Chapel. Read his full message below.
