Police investigating death of Virginia Commonwealth student

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Richmond police said on Sunday they're investigating the death of a Virginia Commonwealth University student in off-campus housing this weekend.

Adam Oakes, 19, was found unresponsive by officers called to the residence about 9:15 a.m. Saturday. He was declared dead at the scene, according to a police news release.

VCU police also were assisting with the investigation. The medical examiner will determine how Oakes died, Richmond police said.

“This is a tragic loss for Adam’s family and members of our community,” VCU said in a statement on Sunday.

In that same social media statement, VCU said it had suspended Delta Chi fraternity. The fraternity’s national office also anounced it had suspended the VCU chapter, media outlets reported.

A school spokesman declined to comment on whether Oakes, who is from Loudoun County, was a member of the fraternity.

Alec Cardullo-Munoz, identified by WRIC-TV as Oakes’ roommate, said he remembers when Oakes received a bid from the fraternity.

“He came into the room all giddy and said the president gave him a bid,” Cardullo-Munoz said. “He just wanted to feel accepted and be with these guys.”