U of C Student Found Deceased in Dorm Room

Deborah Bayliss | As of Wednesday, February 19, 2014

University of Chicago student Nicholas Barnes was found deceased in his dorm-room on Saturday. The cause of death, is still unknown.
University of Chicago student Nicholas Barnes was found deceased in his dorm-room on Saturday. The cause of death, is still unknown.

A foul smell emanating from a University of Chicago (U of C) dorm room led to the discovery Saturday, of a deceased student who reportedly had not used his key card to enter his room since Feb. 7, according to a United Press International news report.

Nicholas Brastins Barnes, a third-year student at the university was found deceased in his room at the International House Saturday afternoon. The cause of death is under investigation by the Cook County medical examiner's office, but there currently are no reports of foul play.

According to information posted on the university’s website, Karen Warren Coleman, Vice President for Campus Life and Student Services sent email notifications to faculty, staff and students informing them of the incident.

“University staff are making every effort to understand the circumstances surrounding Nicholas’ death, Coleman wrote. “Our thoughts are with Nicholas’ family and friends, the Booth House community, residents and staff of I-House, and all who are touched by this loss. Nicholas was an excellent student, admired by faculty and peers alike.”

The Student Counseling Service (SCS) and Spiritual Life staff are reportedly working together to provide support to students and community members affected by the death.

"I don't understand how the people that live next door, and the people who were responsible for his well-being could have not seen that he has been gone for a week,” International House resident Jordan Ginsburg was quoted saying in a CBS news report.

Nicholas’ family is planning a funeral in Pittsburgh, where he grew up. There will also be a campus memorial.

Law enforcement officials have yet to figure out how the student died. An autopsy by the Cook County medical examiner's office reportedly, was inconclusive as to the cause of death, but results of toxicology tests are still pending.

According to a police report, Barnes, whose body was found face down on the floor, had last used his university key card to enter his room just before 11 p.m. on Feb. 7.

Barnes, according to the university, studied abroad in the College’s Vienna program in the fall quarter of 2012 and was involved with a campus literary publication called “Sliced Bread.”

A number of places on the university campus are available where students can find help in dealing with the tragic news such as Counselors at the Student Counseling Service, located at 5737 S. University Avenue, who are available either by scheduled appointment (773-702-9800), or as an emergency walk-in.

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