Student Athlete Shot Dead At University Of Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Tuesday classes have been canceled at the University of Utah after a student was shot and killed on campus Monday night, according to officials.

University President Ruth V. Watkins said in a statement that Lauren McCluskey, an accomplished student athlete who was from Pullman, Washington was identified as the victim. McCluskey, a senior at the school studying communications, was a member of the university's track and field team.

Watkins said in the statement that around 8:20 p.m. mountain time, police received a report of a possible abduction in a parking lot outside a residence hall. McCluskey was found deceased in a parked car near the south tower of an on-campus residential hall.

The suspect in the shooting, 37-year-old Melvin Rowland, was located and "is no longer a threat," university officials said early Tuesday morning. According to The Associated Press, Rowland was found dead inside a church on Tuesday.

Police followed Rowland into an off-campus church after he was spotted at about at about 1 a.m., University of Utah Police Lt. Brian Wahlin said.

Wahlin said Rowland's body was found inside the church. Police didn't provide circumstances of Rowland's death.

McCluskey had apparently dated Rowland for about a month, her mother, Jill McCluskey, said in a statement to local news station KSL. According to the statement, Rowland lied to her about his age, name and criminal history. The statement says McCluskey ended the relationship after learning of his criminal history. You can read the full statement below.

"Last night, the University of Utah lost one of our own. Senior track standout Lauren McCluskey was tragically killed in a senseless act," Mark Harlan, Director of Athletics, said in a statement. "This news has shaken not only myself but our entire University of Utah athletics family to its core. We have university counselors and psychologists on standby to support Lauren’s teammates, coaches and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and all of those dear to her."

A 5 p.m. vigil is planned on campus for McCluskey.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo by Steve C. Wilson via University of Utah