Student’s Death in Founders Believed to Be from Natural Causes

Cover photo of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception taken by Sean Newhouse 

Grace James
News Editor

A first-year student who passed away in Founders Hall on Tuesday is believed to have died from natural causes, according to university officials.

The coroner was called to Founders at approximately 6 p.m. During that time, many students reported to Flyer News that the basement of the residence hall had been cordoned off.

Later in the evening, President Eric Spina sent a campus wide email informing the community of the death of Ben Tavella, 20. 

“We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to Ben’s family, friends, professors and our campus community,” Spina said.

Tavella was a mechanical engineering major from Mason, Ohio.

“Ben was such a fiercely independent, witty, smart young man who had defied many odds,” said Tracey Carson, spokeswoman for Mason Schools. 

A group gathering with prayer will be held to remember Tavella at a later date, Spina said. 

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Flyer News: Univ. of Dayton's Student Newspaper