'It's a tragedy': On-campus death is under investigation at Old Dominion University

John Buzbee, The Virginian-Pilot on Oct 21, 2026

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NORFOLK, Va. — A member of the Old Dominion University community died on campus Wednesday morning.

ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton said first responders were called to a scene outside the Batten College of Arts & Letters at about 8:40 a.m. He said at the time students were nearby, walking to class on their normal routines.

“It was apparent that we would be conducting a death investigation once we arrived,” he said.

The person who died was “affiliated with the university,” Shelton said.

There were no suspects and no foul play was suspected, he said. At no point Wednesday was there a threat to the campus, according to university officials. No other details have been made public.

A police perimeter was established on the west side of the nine-story building.Counseling and support services are available to students, faculty and staff. All classes and activities planned inside the building were cancelled. All other campus operations should continue as scheduled, officials said.

“It’s a tragedy,” Shelton said.

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