A 42-year-old University of Connecticut dining hall worker who was spending the night at the school on storm duty was found dead on the cot where he had been sleeping.
School spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said James Perkins of Ashford was found unresponsive on Monday morning inside McMahon Hall, a dormitory with its own dining hall.
He had worked at the school since 2003.
“He was very highly regarded and will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time,” Reitz said in a statement.
Perkins’ body was turned over to the state medical examiner for an autopsy, but Reitz says foul play is not suspected.
The dining hall was closed for lunch, and Reitz says Perkins' co-workers have been given the option of going home for the day. Counseling professionals are also being made available to those affected by the loss.
