Student found dead after many days

PULLMAN, Wash. (U-WIRE) - A second student in as many months has been found dead in a Washington State University residence hall.

The body of Gregory Atkinson, 33, was found in his Rogers Residence Hall room Sunday afternoon by WSU police and residence life staff. Atkinson apparently had been dead for several days, according to WSU police.

Neighbors became concerned and notified hall staff when Atkinson had not been seen for several days.

"Staff entered because of safety concern," said Stacy Johnson, Rogers Hall director.

"The staff knew something was wrong (when they entered Atkinson's room) and called the university police and university police took over the investigation," said Tony Nowak, director of residence life.

Atkinson's death is currently under investigation. The cause of death is undetermined, pending the results of an autopsy police expect later this week. There is no indication foul play was involved, police reported.

"We need to take care of others, not just go into a room and shut a door; we are a community," said Shu Chi Hin, neighbor and friend of Atkinson.

"(He was a) hard worker, (he) wanted to try as best he could," said Tawipas Pichaichanarong, a neighbor and friend of Atkinson. "He asked questions when he had them."

Atkinson occasionally would ask Shu for help on math and to sample his cooking.

"He asked me to try some curry chicken about two weeks ago," said Shu, who had not seen him since then. "Greg had a passion for food - he liked to bake," Shu said.

Residents regularly saw Atkinson in the floor kitchen "being creative" with food, Shu said.

"He was a very social person, very caring; liked to meet new people and discuss life, see how you are doing," Pichaichanarong said.

"(He had a) really polite manner to everybody; he never had a bad temper," he said. "Everyone will remember him in that way."

"He was a very nice man," Johnson said. "I think that speaks for itself, and the gestures that the residents are doing reflect how nice he was."

Students left flowers, cards, poems and prayers on the door to Atkinson's room.

Neighbors also organized an informal memorial service held last night at Rogers Hall.

"Everyone is in a lot of shock and it's a really sad time for our hall," Johnson said.

"I'm at a loss for words in terms of what the two halls have experienced," Johnson said about the deaths in McEachern and Rogers in the last month.

"It's an extremely weird coincidence," Nowak said.

"If people are concerned about friends or acquaintances, they should give staff a heads up immediately," he said.

10-13-99