Johns Hopkins mourns death of freshman lacrosse player

Johns Hopkins University is mourning the loss of a freshman who was found dead in his campus residence hall this morning, university administrators announced in a message to students, faculty, and staff.

Image caption: Jeremy Huber

Jeremy Huber, a student in the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences interested in majoring in cognitive science and also a member of the men's lacrosse team, died during the night in his bedroom in Wolman Hall, Kevin G. Shollenberger, vice provost for student affairs, and Terry Martinez, associate vice provost and dean of students, said in their message.

Police are investigating as a matter of standard procedure but say preliminarily that they have found no evidence of a crime. There also was no indication of contagious disease.

"On behalf of the entire university community, we offer our deepest sympathies to Jeremy's parents and younger brother, his relatives, his friends here and at home, and his lacrosse teammates," Shollenberger and Martinez wrote. "We ask everyone in our community to offer support to those who may need it at this most difficult time."

A native of Las Vegas, Huber was the salutatorian of his graduating class at West Career and Technical High School. He was a four-time all-state selection in lacrosse and helped his team win two state championships.

"We are stunned and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jeremy Huber," Johns Hopkins men's lacrosse coach Dave Pietramala said in a statement. "Jeremy was a wonderful young man who was extremely well-liked by his teammates and the members of our lacrosse family. He was a considerate, bright young man that loved being a part of our lacrosse program. He was an outstanding representative of Johns Hopkins University, and words cannot adequately express the loss we are feeling right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as we all try to work through this difficult time."

The full text of the announcement sent to members of the university community is show below.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

We are deeply sorry to report the loss of a member of our community.

Student Jeremy Huber died during the night in his bedroom in Wolman Hall. Police, who are investigating as a matter of standard procedure, have said preliminarily that they have not found any evidence of a crime. There is also no indication of contagious disease. The state medical examiner is charged with determining the cause of death.

Jeremy was a freshman in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, interested in majoring in cognitive science. He had been salutatorian of his class at West Career and Technical High School in Las Vegas. A true student-athlete, he was also a four-time all-state lacrosse defenseman there.

Jeremy was also playing varsity lacrosse here at Johns Hopkins. Those who knew him say he was a bright, considerate, wonderful young man who was excited to be at the university. In his relatively brief time here, Jeremy had earned admiration and respect from teammates, coaches, and everyone who is a part of the lacrosse program.

On behalf of the entire university community, we offer our deepest sympathies to Jeremy's parents and younger brother, his relatives, his friends here and at home, and his lacrosse teammates.

We ask everyone in our community to offer support to those who may need it at this most difficult time. Our counselors and chaplains and the Office of Student Affairs are available, today and in days to come, to any student who wishes to talk.

You may make an appointment at the Counseling Center, which is open until 6 p.m. tonight, by calling 410-516-8278. Outside of normal hours, the counselor on call may be reached through Security at 410-516-7777. Campus Ministries, which is open until 9 p.m. tonight, may be reached at 410-516-1880. Contact information for the Dean of Students Office staff is here.

We will provide information on memorial arrangements when they become available.

The start of the spring semester is meant to be a day of excitement. It is a time when we reunite after weeks apart to resume our journey of learning and discovery together. This time, however, the beginning of the semester is also a time of sadness as we learn that one of our own will not be continuing the journey with us. We are confident, however, that those who knew and cared for Jeremy will always carry his memory in their hearts.

Sincerely,

Kevin G. Shollenberger Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Terry Martinez Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students