A tragic incident has unfolded at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where a 22-year-old political science student was found dead in his fraternity house. The student, Christian Samay, hailed from Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, and was weeks away from his graduation. The unfortunate discovery was made at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity on University Avenue on Saturday afternoon.
The loss has deeply affected the Bucknell community. University President John Bravman expressed his condolences, stating that the incident was a devastating blow to the university family. He extended his sympathies to Samay’s family and friends, urging the university community to support each other during this challenging time.
Bravman clarified that Samay’s death was not connected to the active shooter alert and campus lockdown that occurred the previous night. He also emphasized that the circumstances surrounding the death were not suspicious. However, the exact cause of death is yet to be determined, with an autopsy scheduled for Tuesday, as per Union County Coroner Dominick Adamo.
In light of the tragic event, the university administration decided to cancel classes on Monday. They also arranged for counselors and campus chaplains to be available to students, acknowledging the emotional toll this incident could have on the student body.
The university administration reassured the community of their commitment to student safety and security. They pledged to provide all necessary support to students during this difficult time, including counseling services and guidance from staff and faculty.
The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, where Samay was found, is located at a private liberal arts school approximately 60 miles north of Harrisburg, the state capital. An alert regarding an investigation at the fraternity’s address was issued on Saturday afternoon.
Samay, a senior at the university, was preparing to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He had previously interned at M&T bank in Baltimore, investment firm KBW in Florham Park, New Jersey, and Digital Capital Advisors in New York City.
The student community at Bucknell is deeply shaken by the incident. Plans are underway for a student-organized vigil on the campus quad to remember Samay. The university has not yet provided specific details about where Samay’s body was found or the suspected cause of his death.