News
Campus shaken by death of student
The Pointer
jglod170@uwsp.edu
At 2:22 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, Andrew Woods, 19, was pronounced dead . at Saint Michael's Hospital in Stevens Point. He died in the emergency room after he was found unresponsive in Thomson Hall on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus.
“It is a real tragedy,” said Bob Tomlinson, vice chancellor of student affairs. “My own feeling is the way the staff in Thomson Hall and the way Protective Services responded is a real example and a tribute to the way people care about students on this campus.”
According to the coroner’s report, “The manner and cause of death will not be determined until all studies are completed and reviewed by this office. Trauma was not a factor in the death and foul play has been ruled out. Alcohol had been consumed the night before. However, alcohol has not been determined to be a primary cause of death at this point in time.”
The Portage County coroner’s office conducted an autopsy over the weekend according to a release from their office. The toxicology findings are predicted to take up to four weeks while other tests may take up to three months.
Students seemed shaken by the sudden news over the weekend.
“I had only met Andrew a few times during the semester, so I couldn't really call him a good friend of mine because I barely knew him, but he was a nice guy every time I did see him. I know he had a bright future ahead of him and it’s sad his life was taken so soon,” said Ashley Tabaka.
Tabaka also looks at this situation as a waking point to reflect on life and hopes others do as well.
“It just really hits hard that it happened in a place where I live, where you think you’re safe, and you take the next day for granted because you’re living for the moment,” said Tabaka. “I really hope Andrew's death won't be viewed in vain, and I hope students at UW-SP view their lives differently after this tragedy. We can only pray that this won't happen again.”
The Student Government Association and Residence Hall Association will hold a moment of silence at noon on Thursday, Feb. 12, for Woods, and the university’s mourning flag will fly in his memory as well.
