Death of first-year student on Furman campus sparks SLED investigation, SC school says
A college student died on campus, leading to an investigation in South Carolina, officials said.
Michael “Ryan” Wood, 19, was a first-year student at Furman University in Greenville when he was “found unresponsive in his dorm” Wednesday, according to the school and the coroner’s office.
“The university extends its heartfelt condolences to Ryan’s family and friends in this time of profound loss,” Furman president Elizabeth Davis wrote in a Facebook post.
Wood is remembered as a student involved with the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and the mock trial team. He was from Edgefield, a town roughly 20 miles northwest of Aiken.
“Please take a moment to remember Ryan and all he brought to our community during his time at Furman,” Davis wrote in her post. “May all who knew him find peace and comfort during this difficult time.”
Now, Furman police are teaming up with the S.C. Law Enforcement Division to investigate how Wood died, according to the school. SLED confirmed it is looking into a death on the campus.
“We do not suspect anything suspicious at this time,” spokesperson Tommy Crosby wrote in an email to McClatchy News. “No additional information is available (as) this is an active investigation.”
The coroner’s office said it was also investigating and that an autopsy was scheduled for Thursday.
After Wood’s death, Furman said it was offering support through multiple resources, including its “Counseling Center, Office of Spiritual Life and Office of Student Life.” Information about funeral or memorial services arrangements will be shared when it’s available, according to the school.
“The entire Furman community is deeply affected at times like this, and it’s important that we offer each other support and seek help if we need it,” Davis wrote in her Facebook post.
Furman is a private school that has about 2,800 students and more than 100 student organizations, according to its website.
This story was originally published March 11, 2021 at 9:25 AM.
