On Tuesday night, University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto and Vice President for Student Success Kirsten Turner released new details on multiple investigations into the death of 18-year-old student Thomas “Lofton” Hazelwood. Earlier that afternoon, UK confirmed that the Freshman student died after being found unresponsive at the Farmhouse Fraternity house Monday.
The cause of Hazelwood’s death is suspected as “alcohol toxicity,” according to a statement from the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.
University of Kentucky spokesman Jay Blanton said two investigations are underway — one by the University of Kentucky Police and the other by the Office of Student Conduct. He said Hazelwood’s family and the community deserve answers.
“At the same time, I think everybody would also agree that the most important thing is to do this right — to be accurate and be fair to everyone involved,” Blanton said.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call UK Police at (859) 323-8477 (TIPS).
“We certainly want to know what happened, why it happened, how it happened,” Blanton said. “As we stated we don’t have any reason to believe any criminal behavior occurred.”
When both investigations are complete, Blanton said findings will be made public. While investigations are underway, the university has suspended FarmHouse Fraternity activities.
On Monday evening, UK Police responded to a call about an unresponsive student at the FarmHouse Fraternity. Hazelwood was transported to UK Chandler hospital but could not be revived. He was pronounced dead Monday evening.
Information about counseling and support services can be found online at the university counseling center’s website. Counseling services are available by phone 24 hours a day at (859) 257-8701.
This story has been updated.
