“We are devastated by what has happened and extend our deepest sympathy to the family.”
A New Zealand university student was dead in his dorm room for nearly two months before his body was finally discovered, reports say.
The body was found Monday night at the Sonoda residence at the University of Canterbury, in Christchurch, after fellow students noticed a foul smell and notified officials, Stuff reported.
According to the report, the student’s father also contacted police after he was unable to reach his son. Police did not confirm this.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins of New Zealand called for a “thorough investigation” following the discovery.
While the university’s vice chancellor, Professor Cheryl de la Rey, said it was a “distressing time” for all involved.
“We are devastated by what has happened and extend our deepest sympathy to the family,” she said.
“Despite the comprehensive pastoral care programs in place, for us it is inconceivable to imagine how these circumstances could have occurred.
“We understand that the matter is now with the Coroner and we are respectful of the family’s wishes at this time not to comment further.”
The university was doing all it could to support police during their investigation, de la Rey said.
Police declined to identify the student, say how long he’d been missing or specify a cause of death. Detective Senior Sgt. Craig Johnson told the Associated Press that an investigation is underway.
According to reports, the student’s room was at the end of a long corridor and not attended to by the hall’s cleaners as they only worked on common areas.
