Nov 17, 2014 2 min read

WAYNESBURG – The student whose body was found Sunday in a dormitory room at Waynesburg University was identified by Waynesburg Borough Police as Claribeth G. De La Cruz, 18, of Naperville, Ill., and late Monday Greene County Coroner Gregory Rohanna said the death is a “suspected suicide.”

An autopsy was conducted Monday by Dr. Cyril Wecht in Pittsburgh, but the specific results were not released. Also, Waynesburg Borough Police Chief Rob Toth said results of a toxicological study are pending. Toth declined to comment further, though he did say the death, “doesn’t appear to be suspicious.”

Waynesburg police were called to the dorm room in Ray Hall at 2:05 p.m. Sunday.

Toth said the body was discovered by Waynesburg University security, which was asked to check on De La Cruz by someone who was trying to contact her and wasn’t able to reach her.

De La Cruz was a member of the university’s track team and a Student Senate representative.

The university late Monday released the following statement:

“The Waynesburg University family remains deeply saddened by the death of a fellow student on Sunday. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family and friends of the student.

“We are cooperating fully with the authorities who are investigating the situation. We have been assured that there is no evidence of foul play. Any additional questions about the investigation should be addressed to the authorities.

“On behalf of Waynesburg University, we would like to thank the public and the media for their sensitivity and support during this very sad time.

“Waynesburg University holds a chapel service every Sunday night. Last night, our service was dedicated to a time of prayer for our fellow student, family and the entire campus community. Grief counselors were present and were made available to anyone who wanted to talk.

“Our counselors continue to be available to our students and faculty, and will remain so.”