Update, Dec. 5 2014:
The deceased student has been identified as 48-year-old Scott Austin, University of Alaska Fairbanks spokesperson Marmian Grimes wrote on Friday.
According to Grimes, Austin was a sophomore petroleum engineering student who had attended the university since the fall 2012 semester. He was an Air Force veteran whose hometown was listed as Greece, N.Y.
"On a small campus, it's really tough when we lose someone, so we are focused on making sure that his friends, classmates and professors have what they need to cope with this loss." Grimes wrote. "Our Center for Health and Counseling is aware of Scott's death and are prepared to assist members of the UAF community who are struggling. Our employees can also access counseling through our Employee Assistance Program."
Original story:
A student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks was found dead in a campus parking lot Thursday morning of an apparent accidental and self-inflicted gunshot wound, UAF spokesperson Marmian Grimes said.
University police received a call shortly after 8 a.m. that a man was lying on the ground outside of a vehicle in the Reichardt building parking lot, Grimes said.
"It appeared to be an accidental and self-inflicted gunshot wound," Grimes said, but until the investigation is complete "we won't know for sure."
The 48-year-old man's name was not yet being released, as next of kin hadn't been notified Thursday morning, Grimes said.
Grimes said UAF Student Health and Counseling had been notified and were prepared to assist grieving students.
"UAF is a close-knit community, so it's difficult when we lose someone," Grimes said.