Tragic Death of Evergreen State College Student Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The Thurston County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of a student’s death in campus housing at The Evergreen State College. The Washington State Patrol announced the cause, and the conclusion of its on-site investigation, Friday. The State Patrol will provide a detailed report to the public once it concludes off-site investigation and forensic analysis.
The student who died was identified this week as 21-year-old Jonathan Rodriguez from DuPont, Pierce County. Rodriguez was found dead Monday in the on-campus Modular Apartments by a campus police officer after a carbon monoxide alarm went off. The officer, who performed CPR, and two other students were hospitalized. The students have since been discharged from the hospital.
The State Patrol hired a forensic engineering firm that specializes in carbon monoxide poisoning to investigate. This tragic event has shaken the college campus and brought attention to the importance of carbon monoxide safety measures in living spaces. The college community is mourning the loss of Rodriguez and supporting the other students affected by this dangerous situation.
As the investigation continues, college officials and students are reminded to prioritize safety and to take necessary precautions to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Jonathan Rodriguez during this difficult time.