Police said they’re investigating the death of a 21-year-old Texas Tech student who was found dead in his residence at the University Pointe Apartments Monday morning.
Police said they don’t suspect foul play but are investigating it as a suspected accidental overdose.
This will be the second suspected accidental overdose of a Texas Tech student in the last four days.
On January 22nd, Police found 22-year-old Kacey Callaway dead in his residence at the U-Lofts apartments.
“Both cases are being investigated still,” Lubbock police Lt. Ray Mendoza said. “We still don’t know what that medication was but they’re called prescription for a reason. It’s got to be prescribed by a doctor because there’s dangers in these medications.”
Texas Tech addiction expert Dr. George Comiskey said prescription pills are becoming the drug of choice lately because it’s accessible. Dr. Comiskey said for students who are struggling with addiction or know someone who is, there are resources at Texas Tech.
Help is available by clicking here.
Lt. Mendoza said possession and distribution of prescription pills without a prescription is a crime.
“The concern for us is how they’re obtaining these things,” Lt. Mendoza said. “Whether they’re borrowing them from a friend or getting them from someone who has a the need for the medication and trying to make extra cash. That’s what we need to find out so we can put an end to it.”
This is also the fourth Tech student death in the last two weeks.
The University issued the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened at the loss of these students, which has cast a somberness on the Red Raider community at the onset of the spring semester. Our hearts and sympathies are extended to the family and friends of each of these students and the entire Texas Tech family.”
* Update: On 1/27/2016 Lubbock Police released the name of the student as Jonathan Ross.
