JMU identifies Rockingham Hall victim
Updated 10:25 p.m. August 31, 2007

James Madison University officials have released the following statement regarding the Rockingham Hall victim:

James Madison University Official Statement

August 31, 2007

Ryan Feldman of Richmond, 19, a sophomore at James Madison University, has died as a result of a self-inflicted wound. The university received confirmation of the cause of death from the medical examiner in Roanoke late Friday afternoon.

"We are all deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own," said JMU President Linwood H. Rose. "Ryan's death reminds us of the fragility of human life and should encourage us all to reach out to support and nurture our friends and colleagues. The entire JMU community sends its deepest sympathies to Ryan's family."

As earlier stated by university officials, there is no threat to the safety of students on the JMU campus.

JMU is offering counseling services to anyone who has been affected by this unfortunate loss of life. Please contact the JMU Counseling and Student Development Center, located in Varner House, for support and counseling. The center's telephone number is 540-568-6552.

Posted on August 31, 2007

The Virginia State Police, the Harrisonburg Police Department, and the James Madison University Police Department are investigating an unattended death at Rockingham Hall, according to a JMU Timely Notification Bulletin. The incident was reported at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2007.

The cause of death and the identity of the victim have not been released pending an autopsy and family notification. According to the Timely Notification, the death poses no risk to the community.

The Breeze will report more information as it becomes available.

-from staff reports