Taylor University student dies on campus

UPLAND, Ind. (WANE) According to Taylor University’s website, a third year student has died on the campus in Upland, Indiana.

University spokesman Jim Garringer said Josh Larkin was found dead by another student in Morris Hall, a residence hall on the university’s campus. Garringer also said Larkin's roommate isn't on campus.

Originally from Excelsior, Minn., Larkin was studying media/communications at Taylor. He had recently traveled with other Taylor University students to the Sundance Film Festival. He played trumpet for the Taylor Jazz Ensemble.

Garringer described Larkin as well-known, well-loved and well-appreciated.

"We're left to wonder what might have been for him," Garringer said.

Larkin’s death drew calls for prayer and support throughout the Taylor community. Many students took to Twitter and Facebook to share in their grief. The campus had a prayer service Wednesday night, and Larkin's residence hall had a private moment of prayer as well.

The death comes as the campus is preparing for Easter break. Taylor is a small Christian university. Its last day of classes before break is Thursday, and classes reconvene on Tuesday.

"I think the mood campus-wide today has been very somber and quiet — subdued," Garringer said.

The university asked on its website for prayer for the Larkin family, its loved ones and friends.

The school posted the following statement on their site:

The Taylor University community asks for prayer for the family, loved ones and friends of third year students Josh Larkin, who died today [Wednesday] in Morris Hall. We will post visitation and funeral arrangements as soon as they become available.

A prayer service in the Rediger Chapel/Auditorium convened at 10:00 p.m.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Revelation 21:4

The website also said the Grant County Coroner contacted Taylor officials with the preliminary findings which indicated Josh Larkin’s death was accidental and not suicide.

The investigation is ongoing.

The university said it will continue to release information as it becomes available.