At 12:01 p.m. today, the USC Department of Public Safety received a call from a Resident's Assistant in New/North (dorms) that a student was not breathing. Captain David Carlisle of USC's DPS said that campus police arrived shortly after the call as well as Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, who pronounced the man dead upon arrival. Homicide detectives from the LAPD were then called out. After their initial investigation, preliminary reports stated that it appeared to be a drug overdose, prompting a call to the coroner.

An e-mail later went out from Michael L. Jackson, Vice President for Student Affairs:

Dear Members of the Trojan Family:

I am writing to inform you today of the tragic death of a student.

A USC student was found dead around noon today in a residence hall on campus. Preliminary investigation indicates cause of death as an accidental drug overdose. LAPD and the Los Angeles County coroner's office are investigating the cause of death with assistance from the USC department of public safety.

The student's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

USC student affairs is reaching out to the family and students who have been affected by this tragedy, offering counseling to anyone who desires. Those who would like special assistance, please contact student affairs or the campus counseling center.

Update: Michael Weiss was a freshman majoring in business administration. Alexander Comisar at the Daily Trojan has updated details on the story.

Photo by Aaron Jacobs via Flickr