Wabash student's death investigated

CRAWFORDSVILLE -- The Sunday death of Wabash College freshman remains under investigation.

Johnny D. Smith, 18, of Tucson, Ariz. was found unconscious in a sleeping dorm in the Beta Psi Shelter where he lived, a report from Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity, of which Wabash's Beta Psi Chapter was a part, said.

"Johnny was a tremendous young man," said Wabash President Patrick E. White. "He was part of a brotherhood of Wabash men, and we grieve for him, his family, and his brothers at this difficult time. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and his friends."

Smith was a new member of the fraternity, pledging on Aug. 31. He was discovered unconscious by other fraternity members, who summoned an ambulance.

Few details about the death, which is being investigated by the Crawfordsville Police Department, have been released. An autopsy has been ordered.

"The fraternity's immediate focus is supporting Johnny's family and our students at Wabash," said Jim Russell, the fraternity's executive vice president. "We will provide our resources as needed during this difficult time."

Russell was on the Wabash College campus on Sunday afternoon to meet with the students, the Wabash College administration and several alumni members of the Delta Tau Delta chapter at Wabash.

"We are grateful to the Wabash College administration for its support," said Russell. "The message and compassion shown by President Pat White of Wabash to those young men was heartfelt and very much appreciated."

The college is making counseling services available to the students. President White, Dean of Students Mike Raters, Associate Dean of Students Rick Warner, and Director of Counseling Scott Cavins spent Sunday with the undergraduates.

Smith, 18, the son of Stacy Smith and Terry Smith, came to Wabash from Desert View High School, where he was a member of the football and lacrosse teams, and was involved in marching band.