We are deeply saddened by the tragic event that occurred on our campus last night. We want to make you aware of a vigil to honor Lauren McCluskey as well as campus resources available for those in need.

Read the full story here.

“Everyone associated with our program is devastated by the loss of Lauren. There are no words to express the emotions and grief we are experiencing right now. Lauren was a wonderful person, an excellent student and a dedicated member of our track and field team. She showed a relentless drive to improve every day over the last three and a half years and was always kind and supportive of her teammates. Those are just some of the reasons why her loss has hit us so hard.”

—Track Coach Kyle Kepler

University Police Chief Dale Brophy, Dean of Students Lori McDonald and Director of Athletics Mark Harlan provided an update on the Oct. 22 campus shooting. View the full press conference below.

There are a number of campus resources to support students, staff and faculty with group and individual counseling services available. Please do not hesitate to ask for help.

For students:

• University Counseling Center, 426 SSB, 801-581-6826
• Office of the Dean of Students, 270 Union Building, 801-581-7066
• Women’s Resource Center, 411 Union Building 801-581-8030
• Victim-Survivor Advocacy, Center for Student Wellness, 328 SSB, 801-581-7779
• University Neuropsychiatric Institute SafeUT
• More student services can be found at utah.edu

For employees:

• Employee Assistance Program, 801-587-9319 or 800-926-9619
• Resiliency Center, 5775 HSEB, 801-213-3403

In addition, the Counseling Center has opened the Mindfulness Center in Room 344 of the Student Services Building for drop-in support all day today and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for the rest of this week. They will also have counselors available today from 1-3 p.m. in the lobbies of the following buildings:

• Heritage Center
• Marriott Honors
• Lassonde Studios

The Associated Students of the University of Utah and our Athletics Department are planning a vigil for Lauren on Wednesday at 5 p.m. on the steps of the Park Building.

For students looking for a place to gather together during this difficult time, the Crocker Science Center Reading Room 206 will be made available after the vigil.

Hand-written notes for Lauren’s family are being accepted at the Office of the Dean of Students Office, 270 Union Building.

It is with deepest sadness that we let you know that our daughter Lauren McCluskey, age 21, was the University of Utah student who was killed last night.  Lauren previously dated her killer for about one month.  He lied to her about his name, his age, and his criminal history.  Lauren was informed by a friend about his criminal history, and she ended the relationship with her killer on October 9, 2018.  He had borrowed her car, and she requested for the University of Utah police accompany her on October 10, 2018 to get the car back.  She blocked his and his friends’ phone numbers and complained to University of Utah police that she was being harassed.  Last night a little before 9 pm, she was returning to her university apartment from her night class and talking to me on the phone.  Suddenly, I heard her yell, “No, no, no!” I thought she might have been in a car accident.  That was the last I heard from her.  My husband called 911. I kept the line open and in a few minutes, a young woman picked up the phone and said all of Lauren’s things were on the ground.

Lauren was a senior student athlete on the University of Utah track team.  She was an outstanding student with a 3.75 GPA majoring in Communication and was excited to graduate in May 2019.  She was a 2015 honors graduate of Pullman High School where she was Washington state champion in the high jump and the school record holder in the 100 meter hurdles.  She attended Capital Church in Salt Lake City.  She loved to sing and had strength and determination.  She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

“Last night, the University of Utah lost one of our own.  Senior track standout Lauren McCluskey was tragically killed in a senseless act.  This news has shaken not only myself but our entire University of Utah athletics family to its core. We have university counselors and psychologists on standby to support Lauren’s teammates, coaches and friends.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and all of those dear to her.”

—Mark Harlan, Director of Athletics

Click here to read the message President Ruth V. Watkins sent regarding this tragic shooting on campus.

*** ALL CLEAR *** Melvin Rowland, the suspect in the fatal shooting on campus, has been located and is no longer a threat. highalert.utah.edu.

One student confirmed deceased. All morning and evening classes canceled for Tuesday, Oct. 23. Campus services and facilities will remain open. Support services are available for students, faculty and staff.

• University Counseling Center, 450 SSB, 801-581-6826
• Office of the Dean of Students, 270 Union Building, 801-581-7066
• More student services can be found here: studentaffairs.utah.edu
• Employee Assistance Programs services can found at 801-587-9319or 800-926-9619.
• Resiliency Center, 801-213-3403

Shooting suspect identified as Melvin Rowland, 37.

Secure-in-place lifted for campus. Police believe suspect has left campus and is no longer a threat to campus. Continued police activity throughout the night. Please avoid the Medical Towers area. Updates on highalert.utah.edu.

Continue to secure-in-place. Updates on highalert.utah.edu. Next update at 11:30 p.m.

Continue to secure-in-place. Updates on highalert.utah.edu. Next update at 11 p.m.

Suspect: Black male, 37 years old, 6'3", 250 lbs, wearing a gray beanie, black pants, white shoes and a white hoodie. He was last seen on foot leaving NB from the Medical Towers.