PRESS RELEASE
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
OCTOBER 4, 2013
CONTACT: Jeff Pitchford, vice president for university and government relations, at jeffp@uca.edu or (501) 450-3185.
Fredricka Sharkey, associate director for media relations, at fsharkey@uca.edu or (501) 450 -5114.
Arch Jones, director of organizational and community services, at ajones@uca.edu or (501) 450-3111.
CAUSE OF STUDENT DEATH IDENTIFIED
CONWAY—The preliminary medical examiner’s report indicates that 18-year-old Jaykwantay Girley died from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. The UCAPD was notified by Faulkner County Coroner Patrick Moore.
Girley was a full-time freshman student enrolled in the Hughes Residential College and living in Hughes Residential Hall. UCAPD and MEMS personnel located Girley Wednesday morning at approximately 8 a.m. in the residence hall bathroom.
A vigil in honor of “JJ”, as he was affectionately known, was hosted by Rush Campus Ministries on Thursday night with approximately 200 students, faculty, staff and members of Girley’s family in attendance.
President Tom Courtway expressed his condolences, “A young life with a world of potential was cut short this week. Last night’s candlelight vigil, in honor of JJ, was an outpouring of love and caring for the Girley family for their loss and the loss of a member of the UCA family. We once again extend our deepest condolences to his mother and family and will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
A pancake supper fundraiser with all proceeds donated to Girley’s family will be at Christian Cafeteria on Saturday, October 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at various locations on campus Friday and Saturday.
Counselors at the Student Health Clinic are still available for classmates, faculty, and staff.
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