The University of Missouri Police Department has opened an investigation following the death of an MU student. The investigation was announced in a news release from MUPD.

Junior Boston Perry was found unresponsive in Mark Twain Hall and died in his room on Tuesday afternoon, according to the news release. Resuscitation attempts were made by medical personnel and MU police, but proved unsuccessful, according to a report by the Columbia Daily Tribune. The cause of death has not been determined.

Perry was studying information technology in the College of Engineering.

“As a father myself, I can only express my deepest condolences to Boston’s parents and family,” Gary Ward, vice chancellor for operations, said in the news release. “Our thoughts are with them, his friends and classmates during this difficult time.”

Mark Twain resident Abby Werner said a meeting was held Tuesday evening in the third floor lounge of Mark Twain by the residence hall coordinators for students who were affected by the death or needed access to counseling services. Several university staff, including Honors College director J.D. Bowers and Rachel Harper, Honors College associate director, were in attendance to offer support, Werner said.

“The room was full, they moved all the furniture off to one side, and everyone was just sitting around the perimeter on the floor,” Werner said. “The atmosphere was just really solemn and heavy.”

The Counseling Center will provide services to students and others who knew Perry. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the MU Counseling Center at 573-882-6601.

_Edited by Skyler Rossi | srossi@themaneater.com_