By Paula Ann Solis
Staff Writer
Friends and classmates of former San Antonio senior Joshua Partridge will gather at 12:15 p.m. today in the Rogers Engineering and Computer Science Building in room 210 to grieve together following the news of his death.
Partridge was 21 years old and a computer science major.
His body was discovered at 10 a.m. Thursday in a chemically hazardous vehicle near University Parks Drive and Donaldson Lane. Officer Steve Anderson with the Waco Police Department said Waco police were the first to respond to the scene but after they realized the location was outside Waco’s city limits, the case was turned over to the McLennan County Sheriff’s office.
The vehicle was marked with the international symbol for biohazardous materials, Cawthon said there was note on the vehicle explaining nitrogen sulfide was used. Because of this warning a hazmat team was called to the scene.
“We believe that these signs or warning labels were done in an effort so that no first responders would be overcome the chemicals,” Cawthon said. “We don’t suspect foul play. We suspect a self-inflicted type of death.”
The Baylor Police Department was also present at the scene, Chief Jim Doak said. Baylor officers patiently waited for the biochemical threat to subside before approaching to help the first responders identify who the student was, Doak said.
Lori Fogleman, assistant vice president for media communications, said students or faculty who feel the need to speak with someone about the death of Partridge should not hesitate to visit the Bobo Spiritual Life Center or contact the Counseling Center, which is open 24 hours and can be reached at (254) 710-2467.
“It’s heartbreaking and just a terrible tragedy,” Fogleman said in the official university statement regarding the incident. “Our hearts go out this his family, friends and classmates and all those who knew and loved him. The university will be proving opportunities for students and faculty to gather together to share in their grief.”
