CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Authorities have confirmed the identity of the University of Virginia (UVA) student found dead in his dormitory on Friday, October 3, 2025, as Edmund Jenkins, an 18-year-old first-year student from New York City. The tragic incident has left the UVA community in shock, with students, faculty, and alumni expressing their condolences and support for his family and friends.

The University of Virginia Police Department (UVP) responded to a call at around 11:00 a.m. on Friday, reporting an unresponsive individual at one of the residence halls on campus. Emergency responders were dispatched immediately, but tragically, they confirmed Jenkins’ death at the scene. Authorities have stated that the incident is being investigated as an apparent suicide.

A Promising Student with a Bright Future

Edmund Jenkins, a graduate of Riverdale Country School in New York City, was in his first year at UVA, where he was studying with great ambition and promise. Jenkins, originally from New York, was well-known in his academic community for his intelligence and dedication. He had recently begun gaining professional experience as a Research Intern at Nihon Global Growth Partners Management, Inc., where he was taking his first steps into the professional world. His family, friends, and peers at UVA had high hopes for him due to his clear drive and potential.

Jenkins’ death has devastated both the UVA campus and the Riverdale Country School community, where he graduated in 2025. His classmates and teachers at Riverdale remember him as a thoughtful, motivated student who excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities. He was described by those who knew him as someone with a bright future ahead of him.

The news of Jenkins’ death, which took place in a campus dormitory, has left students and faculty alike in deep mourning. Members of the UVA Cavaliers football program, along with other groups within the university, have publicly expressed their sorrow and offered their condolences to the Jenkins family.

University of Virginia’s Response

In response to the tragedy, the University of Virginia released a statement, expressing their grief over the loss. “We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our own. Our thoughts are with Edmund’s family, friends, and all who knew him. We encourage anyone struggling to reach out for support and to lean on the resources available here at UVA.”

Counseling services have been made available to all students, faculty, and staff at UVA through the University of Virginia Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The university has emphasized its commitment to supporting those impacted by Jenkins’ death and helping individuals cope with the emotional weight of this tragic event.

Support Resources for the UVA Community

• University of Virginia Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
  Phone: (434) 243-5150
  CAPS is offering counseling services to students who may need support during this difficult time.

• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  Phone: 988 (Available 24/7)
  The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides immediate support to anyone experiencing mental health crises or thoughts of self-harm.

Ongoing Investigation

The University of Virginia Police Department has confirmed that the investigation into Jenkins’ death remains active. However, they have stressed that the incident does not pose an ongoing threat to campus safety, assuring students, staff, and faculty that the situation is under control. While the circumstances surrounding Jenkins’ death are still under investigation, law enforcement has not indicated any foul play.

The community remains in a state of mourning as they await further details from the investigation. UVA officials have also urged students who are struggling emotionally to seek out help from the resources provided on campus.

Jenkins Remembered as a Bright, Ambitious Student

Jenkins is remembered by all who knew him as a motivated and driven young man with a promising future. His death has raised awareness of the mental health challenges that many college students face, especially those adjusting to the pressures of university life. Those who knew Jenkins are remembering him as a dedicated and intelligent student, someone who had his whole life ahead of him.

The loss of Edmund Jenkins has left an indelible mark on the University of Virginia. Many are reflecting on how difficult it can be to transition to college life, particularly for students away from home for the first time. UVA has committed to increasing mental health support and offering a space for students to discuss their struggles and seek assistance. The incident highlights the need for constant attention to student well-being, with a renewed focus on ensuring that students have the support they need during their academic journeys.

The Need for Mental Health Awareness on Campus

Edmund Jenkins’ tragic passing is not an isolated incident; college students across the country are increasingly struggling with mental health challenges, often compounded by academic pressures, social isolation, and personal struggles. As this incident unfolds, many are calling for greater attention to mental health issues on college campuses.

In the wake of Jenkins’ death, mental health advocates are urging universities to enhance the mental health resources available to students. This includes making counseling services more accessible, fostering an environment of openness around mental health, and ensuring that students are aware of the resources available to them. UVA’s commitment to providing counseling and crisis support is a step in the right direction, but experts agree that more work needs to be done to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

A Call for Support and Connection

As the UVA community processes the loss of Edmund Jenkins, many are using this opportunity to remind their peers of the importance of reaching out for help. College students often face challenges that they are not prepared for, and being away from home can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Jenkins’ passing has opened a dialogue about the importance of mental health support in a time of intense pressure and uncertainty.

The University of Virginia has encouraged students to take advantage of the support resources available, including CAPS and national helplines, to ensure they are not struggling in silence. Many organizations are also calling for universities to invest more in comprehensive mental health programs, peer support networks, and awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of seeking help when needed.

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning

The loss of Edmund Jenkins is a heartbreaking tragedy for the University of Virginia and the Riverdale Country School communities. Jenkins was a young man with so much potential, and his passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him. As the investigation continues, the university is focused on supporting its students and ensuring that they have the resources they need to cope with this devastating loss.

In the wake of Jenkins’ death, mental health experts are stressing the importance of creating supportive environments for students, both academically and emotionally. Jenkins’ family and friends remember him as a bright, ambitious individual, and his legacy will live on through the lives he touched at UVA and in New York City.

The University of Virginia, alongside the larger Charlottesville community, is committed to honoring Edmund Jenkins’ memory by prioritizing mental health support for students and ensuring that resources are in place for those who may be struggling. The loss of one of their own has made the UVA community stronger in its resolve to foster an environment where mental health is a top priority.