Mississippi State student found dead in campus parking lot

Photo: Mississippi State University president Mark Keenum addresses Phi Kappa Tau fraternity members Sunday afternoon after a member was found dead inside a vehicle at a campus parking lot. (@SidSalter/X, formerly Twitter)

A Mississippi State University student was found dead inside a vehicle at an on-campus parking lot Sunday afternoon, Aug. 27. 

According to spokesman Sid Salter, who released information in an X (formerly Twitter) thread, MSU Police Chief Kenneth Rogers said his police department received a phone call at approximately 1:10 p.m. Sunday.

“MSUPD received a report of discovery of an unresponsive person in a parked vehicle,” Salter said. “Oktibbeha County Coroner Michael Hunt pronounced the male occupant of the vehicle dead at the scene. The body was removed from the scene by Welch Funeral Home in Starkville.”

MSU PD, Starkville Fire Department, Med-Stat Ambulance personnel and Coroner Hunt were on scene investigating the incident. Rogers said there was no danger to the rest of campus related to this incident and normal operations have resumed.

Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said the university would provide appropriate counseling services and other support for any students or staff impacted by the incident. “Our deepest sympathies extend to the family and friends of the victim.”