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FGCU student dead after distress call from SoVi dorm

FGCU freshman Austin Vonckx, 19, died Sunday morning, Sept. 14, after a distress call to his dorm. Photo courtesy of Vonckx's Facebook page.
FGCU freshman Austin Vonckx, 19, died Sunday morning, Sept. 14, after a distress call to his dorm. Photo courtesy of Vonckx’s Facebook page.

ORIGINAL POST: Sept. 14 11:29 p.m.
An FGCU student is dead after a reported distress call to his Biscayne dorm in the South Village campus dorms early Sunday morning.
According to University Police’s report, at 4:06 am on Sunday morning, UPD responded to a sick person’s distress call in South Village on Florida Gulf Coast University’s campus. Upon arrival, UPD entered the room of Austin Vonckx, located in Biscayne Hall.
Vonckx was found in his bed face up with a discolored mouth. San Carlos Fire Department arrived on scene shortly after and began CPR. They then transported Vonckx  to Gulf Coast Hospital. Vonckx was later pronounced dead.
FGCU spokesperson Susan Evans confirmed the death.
Check back with Eagle News for more updates on his developing story.
UPDATE: Sept. 15 4:30 p.m.
Vonckx’s death is the fourth to occur on campus in the university’s history. The autopsy is scheduled to begin today and can take up to 8-10 weeks to be completed.
The News-Press reported that Vonckx complained of a headache before his death. Long time friend Connor Coplon, 22, told the News-Press that there was speculation among the family about the possibility of a head injury.
An autopsy is scheduled for later today, Coplon said.
Students and friends of Vonckx will be holding a candle light vigil tonight in front of the South Village dining hall at 9 p.m.
UPDATE: Sept. 15 6:30 p.m.

At 4:06 am on Sunday morning, a UPD officer responded to a sick persons call in South Village on Florida Gulf Coast University’s campus. Upon arrival, UPD entered the room of Austin Vonckx, located in Biscayne Hall. It was found that Vonckx’s room mate was not home. Vonckx was found face up with a discolored mouth and unresponsive, still holding his phone in his right hand.
San Carlos Fire Department arrived on scene shortly after and began CPR and then transported Vonckx to Gulf Coast Hospital and was pronounced dead soon after. Reports suggest his cause of death to be something related to a head injury and/or his organs shutting down. The autopsy began Monday, September 15 and may take up to 10 weeks to be completed.
A family friend who did not want to be named confirmed that on Saturday night, Vonckx had been drinking with friends. At some point during the night he hit his head, but then returned to his room alone after being dropped off by a friend.
Early Sunday morning Vonckx called his mother, reportedly telling her that he “didn’t feel well,” according to the family friend. Vonckx’s mother then called 911 in her Tampa area, which dispatched a deputy here.
Vonckx was a freshman pursuing sports management from Tampa. Many of his friends have been posting their condolences and goodbyes on Vonckx’s Facebook page, describing him as funny and outgoing.
Students plan to hold a candlelight vigil in his honor at 9pm on Monday, September 15th.
“Now is the time to reach out and support those affected by this unfortunate death.” said Vice President of Student affairs Dr Rollo. “We are very touched and sorrowed by this and we are willing to work with anyone in counseling.”

He also added that if anyone feels that they need to talk or just need some sort of support, CAPS is reaching out and encouraging students to come in.
 
 

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    David AlpertSep 19, 2014 at 6:09 am

    Very sad.

    Reply