University of Wyoming police are investigating the death of a student whose body was found Saturday morning at War Memorial Stadium.
The student was identified as David C. Schmitt, 22, a senior geology major from Casper. He was a member of the UW men's swimming and diving team.
UW police say it appears Schmitt fell through a narrow space at the top of the lower level of the west side of the stadium. Police say it appears that he was attempting to climb to the stadium's upper level when the accident occurred. Stadium employees found the body when they arrived to work at approximately 6:45 a.m.
All entrances to the stadium were locked as standard procedure and police are uncertain how Schmitt gained entrance to the stadium.
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of David's death," UW President Tom Buchanan says. "The death of a student is always tragic, but it is even more difficult to comprehend on a day when the university is celebrating a new beginning for our graduating students. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends."
"We in the University of Wyoming athletics community offer our condolences to the Schmitt family and also to David's coaches, teammates and friends," says Athletics Director Tom Burman. "David was an admired student leader. The entire UW community, I know, shares these thoughts with me at this time."
The body was released to the Albany County Coroner's Office.
The UW Counseling Center offers counseling to all students. Call (307) 766-8989 to request counseling. During business hours call (307) 766-2187.
