Student Likely Fell to His Death

The University of California, Davis, student whose body was discovered Sunday morning (Sept. 1) in a residence hall parking lot likely fell to his death from the building's roof, according to investigators.

UC Davis police report finding no evidence of foul play in the death of Barret William Klenke, 20, of Modesto. A note discovered in his Webster Hall room is being analyzed by the California Department of Justice. While the UC Davis Police Department's investigation continues, a preliminary analysis of evidence suggests suicide.

An autopsy conducted earlier today by the Yolo County Coroner's Office concluded that Klenke died of blunt force trauma to the head and chest consistent with a fall from an elevated height.

A computer science major, Klenke was attending summer-session classes. He was earlier enrolled from fall of 2000 through spring of 2001.

He was found at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday in the parking lot just south of Webster Hall by a residence hall employee, who called 9-1-1. The City of Davis Fire Department, an ambulance and the UC Davis Police Department responded to the call, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Counseling was provided to residence hall staff and students this past weekend and continues to remain available to the campus community through the Counseling Center, (530) 752-0871, Cowell Student Health Center, (530) 752-2300, and the Academic and Staff Assistance Program, (530) 752-2727.

Media Resources

Susanne Rockwell, Web and new media editor, (530) 752-2542, sgrockwell@ucdavis.edu

Lisa Lapin, (530) 752-9842, lalapin@ucdavis.edu

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