UA senior dies in apparent suicide

Matthew T. Whaley, 22, of Boston, was taken to University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 10:48 a.m.

A witness told university police that Whaley dropped off his girlfriend about 10:15 a.m. at Maricopa Hall, 1031 E. North Campus Drive. Soon after a gunshot was reported to university police.

Police arrived within one minute to find Whaley in his vehicle, parked on the north side of the dorm, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, police said.

Preliminary evidence suggests the wound was self-inflicted, said Lt. Brian Seastone of the University of Arizona Police Department.

UAPD will continue its investigation today to determine what may have provoked the incident, Police Chief Harry Hueston II said.

Friends of Whaley said yesterday they were puzzled by his apparent suicide.

Kappa Sigma house director Alex Alcantara said he saw Whaley on Wednesday and nothing seemed amiss.

"We're all in disbelief and shock," Alcantara said "No one had a clue, whatever was wrong he hid it really well."

Kappa Sigma member Mark Rooney said Whaley "had a grin on his face" when he saw him in class Friday.

"He looked fantastic," Rooney said, "No one could have seen it coming.

"Everybody I know is devastated, he was an incredible human being."

Rooney said people often looked to Whaley for support.

"Just seeing him would make you feel really good," Rooney said.

George Jenson, Kappa Sigma alumnus adviser said members were deeply hurt to find out what had happened.

"I'm stunned and saddened," Jenson said. "We all loved him dearly."

Rooney said none of the members were aware Whaley had a handgun.

A university crisis team with representatives from UAPD, the dean of students office and Residence Life met Saturday afternoon to set up counseling sessions.

"We want support available for any student who might have been traumatized by the incident," Dean of Students Melissa Vito said.

Dr. Murray DeArmond, director of the Campus Health Center, said department staff will be available to help any students affected by the incident.

Rooney said Kappa Sigma members plan on reaching out to support Whaley's girlfriend.

"We hope she will come around," Rooney said "It's time for us to join and deal with this together."