Methodist University canceled classes on Friday in light of the deaths this week of a faculty member and a student.
The student, 19-year-old Peter Armstrong from Oak Park, Illinois, was found dead on campus on Wednesday morning. The faculty member, Neil William Perry, was killed in a car crash on Thursday.
Armstrong’s cause of death was not released.
“As the Police Department and Coroner’s Office are currently performing an investigation, MU cannot provide any information due to privacy laws and concerns,” University President Stanley T. Wearden and Dean William H. Walker said in a letter to the students published on Facebook on Thursday. “However, we want to assure you there is no threat to the community and we are taking all necessary steps to support and ensure everyone’s well-being.”
Perry was a part-time instructor in the university’s Communication & Media program, Provost Suzanne Blum Malley said in a statement published on Methodist’s website.
“Neil brought the deep experience of his long career in media production to the classroom, including from his work on Grammy and Emmy nominated music, TV, and film projects, and gold and platinum certifications,” she said.
Perry, 55, was from Wilmington, television station WWAY reported. Citing the N.C. Highway Patrol, WWAY said Perry was driving on N.C. 87 Columbus County on Wednesday morning near Reigelwood when he swerved to avoid the carcass of a coyote, ran off the highway, and crashed into a ditch and a tree.
The university has been offering counseling and other support for students and staff affected by these deaths.
These include:
- MU Counseling Services (MUCS) for Students at “The Well” in the West Hall building, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Visit methodist.edu/the-well or call 910-630-7164 for more information.
- For counseling services over the weekend, call 910-630-7660.
- Faculty and staff may use the university’s Employee Assistance Program. See methodist.edu/human-resources for more information and visit methodist.edu/the-well for individual and group debriefing session times.
Senior reporter Paul Woolverton can be reached at pwoolverton@cityviewnc.com.
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