Authorities in Allegany County are investigating the death of a faculty member at Alfred University after the individual was discovered unresponsive on campus on Tuesday, August 13.
According to Alfred Police Chief Joshua VanSkiver, the incident was reported through a 911 call received at approximately 12:45 p.m. The caller reported finding a person unresponsive in one of the university’s buildings, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Personnel from the Alfred Police Department, local emergency medical services, and the Allegany County Coroner’s Office arrived on the scene shortly after the call. Despite life-saving measures attempted by first responders, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased has been identified by multiple sources as a professor at the university. While police have not yet released the individual’s name pending family notification, preliminary findings indicate the cause of death was suicide.
Chief VanSkiver emphasized in a statement that the event appears to be an isolated incident, with no ongoing threat to students, faculty, or the wider Alfred community. “This is a tragic situation for our campus and community. At this time, we believe there is no danger to public safety,” VanSkiver said.
The investigation remains active, with police working alongside the Coroner’s Office to complete the necessary reports. Authorities are also conducting interviews and reviewing campus security footage to establish a clearer timeline of events.
Due to the sensitive nature of the case, officials have stressed that only limited information will be shared until all facts are verified. “We can provide no further information at this time but will provide updates as they become available,” VanSkiver stated in a media release.
The death has cast a somber mood over Alfred University, a private institution known for its close-knit campus community and strong liberal arts programs. University officials have not yet issued a detailed public statement but are reportedly preparing resources to support students and staff affected by the loss.
Counseling services are expected to be made available both in person and virtually for members of the university community in the coming days. Local residents have expressed shock and sadness at the news, noting that such incidents are rare in the small village of Alfred.
Mental health advocates in the region are reminding community members of the importance of seeking help in times of emotional distress and encouraging those who may be struggling to reach out to available support networks.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the mental health challenges that can affect individuals in any profession, including those in academia. Police and university leaders are urging compassion and privacy for the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this difficult time.
As this is a developing story, additional information is expected to be released once the investigation concludes and next of kin have been notified. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or thinking about self-harm, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the United States.