A candlelight vigil was held Monday afternoon to mourn an Ohio University student who died over the weekend in Wilson Hall.
About 50 people gathered in front of Wilson Hall to mourn Jordyn Airy, an undecided freshman from Dublin, Ohio, who died in her dorm room last Saturday.
Friends and other residents of Wilson Hall sat around a display of photos of Airy surrounded with flowers, candles and signs filled with encouraging messages from mourners. The organizers, close friends of Airy, also played some of her favorite songs from a speaker.
A representative from 4 Paws for Ability, a non-profit organization run out of Dayton, was in attendance with a service dog to comfort students. A member of Housing and Residence Life was also in attendance.
The university is also offering support to students and staff, Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones said in a statement.
“My heart goes out to Jordyn’s family and friends,” Hall-Jones said in a statement. “Losing a loved one is extremely difficult, and it can be even more trying while away from home, family and support networks. We will continue to provide care to those impacted within the Bobcat community as we navigate these difficult circumstances.”
Samantha Wilson, a freshman studying environmental geology and a Wilson Hall resident, said she didn’t know Airy personally but came to the vigil to pay her respects. Wilson lives four doors down from Airy and said she was shocked when she heard about her death.
“I was confused that night. So I went to ask my (resident assistant) but thought, ‘I'll ask later,’” Wilson said. “I realized my roommate told me just to not mention her name or anything … I was shaken. I think I was still shaken yesterday. I’m a little shaken now.”
The Ohio University Police Department is continuing to investigate her death. OUPD does not have any reason to suspect foul play, Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said in an email. OUPD also does not believe this incident represents an ongoing threat to campus.
Funeral services will be held for Airy in Columbus this Saturday.
