USC student, faculty member die on campus in separate incidents, university confirms

The University of South Carolina confirmed Friday afternoon the deaths of two people on campus were a student and a faculty member.

The student was found in a residence hall, the faculty member near the Discovery parking garage on Park Street, according to the university. USC officials did not say when the deaths occurred.

The Richland County coroner’s office identified the faculty member as Anna M. Gawlicka-Chruszcz.

Investigators from the State Law Enforcement Division crime scene unit were seen outside the Discovery parking garage Friday, where Gawlicka-Chruszcz, 48, was found around 8:30 am, Friday. A portion of the northeast stairwell was sealed off with police tape. SLED confirmed it is investigating the deaths.

The deaths currently do not appear to be related, SLED spokeswoman Renée Wunderlich said.

Wunderlich said the university requested SLED’s assistance Friday morning. South Carolina law states requires SLED to lead investigations into deaths that take place on university campuses.

The Richland County Coroner’s Office also is investigating, USC President Michael Amiridis said in a statement. The coroner’s office has not released the name of the student.

“My condolences go out to the families impacted by these deaths,” Amiridis said in a statement. “The university is doing everything it can to support our students and staff affected by these tragedies.”

The university’s campus is located in downtown Columbia. Students recently returned to campus for the fall semester, which began Aug. 18.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This story was originally published September 2, 2022 at 1:54 PM.

Ted Clifford

The State

803-771-8315

Ted Clifford is the statewide accountability reporter at The State Newspaper. Formerly the crime and courts reporter, he has covered the Murdaugh saga, state and federal court, as well as criminal justice and public safety in the Midlands and across South Carolina. He is the recipient of the 2023 award for best beat reporting by the South Carolina Press Association.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.