Fourth-year College student Joe Arwood passed away Sunday morning at the University Medical Center. The cause of death is not yet known.
Arwood, a member of Sigma Phi Society, was found unconscious at the house Friday morning by one of his fraternity brothers, who then administered CPR, said Psychology Prof. Michael Kubovy, Arwood’s distinguished major thesis adviser. Arwood then was taken to the Medical Center for treatment, said Miles Sisson, the president of the University’s chapter of the fraternity, which is commonly known as SERP.
Medical examiners have yet to release any information about the death, University spokesperson Carol Wood said, adding that the University does not know when the tests will be completed.
“What we’re doing is waiting for the medical examiner and for Joe’s parents to release any information on cause of death, and we don’t know when we’ll have that,” she said. “That could be a week — we just don’t know when.”
Arwood passed away just before noon on Sunday, Wood said. During the weekend, various University deans and administrators — including Pat Lampkin, vice president and chief student affairs officer — made themselves available for his family, fraternity brothers and friends.
“Everybody was there all weekend for anything that the family needed,” she said. “I think more than anything, they just wanted prayers through the weekend.”
The fraternity brothers were joined by Lampkin, Dean of Students Allen Groves, Asst. Dean of Students Nicole Eramo and Matt Zimmerman of Counseling and Psychological Services, who all offered their support. In addition, the Office of the Dean of Students made hotel reservations for Arwood’s parents, Groves said, when they arrived at the hospital Friday evening.
Arwood was active in his fraternity, taking the position of House Manager for the past year, said fourth-year Engineering student Matthew Restivo, a first-year hallmate and fraternity brother of Arwood.
Outside of the fraternity, he volunteered at HELP Line, the University’s student-run anonymous telephone service for those looking for someone to speak to about any emotional turmoil or problems.
“He was always a good person to talk to,” Restivo said.
Kubovy expressed similar sentiments, adding that he knew Arwood through both his psychology lab and a seminar this semester.
“He was a charming, articulate, passionate person,” Kubovy said. “Wherever he went, he was very well-liked and highly respected.”
As a psychology major, Arwood’s research primarily focused on music and the perception of rhythm, Kubovy said. He had spent the past year studying the brain mechanisms that allow humans to perceive rhythm and was about to start writing his thesis before graduating in May.
“I have little doubt that eventually this work would’ve been published, and he would’ve been a co-author, so it’s really a terrible loss,” Kubovy added. “He might eventually have gone to graduate school in cognitive science, and I think he would’ve done very well.”
Kubovy added that Arwood also had taken classes with his wife, Music Prof. Judith Shatin.
“He was talented in many areas. He was studying Arabic [and] he studied songwriting with my wife, and she spoke very highly of him,” he said.
Groves added that the Office of the Dean of Students is available to anyone who needs support and is hoping to continue outreach to any such students. Because of the location of the fraternity house, many students passing by were able to discern that a tragedy had occurred, Groves said.
“The way this works is not something you wake up the next day and it’s over, and that oftentimes you feel better for 3-4 days, and then it hits you again,” he said. “This is going to be a challenging situation for all of them to get through.”
He also encouraged members of the University community to rely on one another to deal with the situation, noting that the community is relatively close-knit for the size of the school.
“It’s not easy. A young person is not supposed to die. It’s unnatural,” he said, “and when that happens, that just brings very close to home the relationships that you have, the fragility of life and the fact that somebody you love is gone and is gone unexpectedly.”
Wood said Arwood’s family has yet to decide upon any funeral arrangements. The University will have a memorial service, as well, but the details have not been determined.
“We’re really just trying to wait and follow the parents’ lead right now and give them they time they need,” she said. “This is hard on everybody. A loss like this just has a ripple effect on the University.”
[This comment has been removed for representing unsubstantiated rumor as fact, specifically in regards to drug allegations and cause of death. Although the Managing Board of The Cavalier Daily aims to take a hands-off approach to comment moderation in deference to freedom of speech, as stated in our commenting policy we reserve the right to remove comments that are deemed to be in poor taste.]
- Managing Board
Hot debate. What do you think?
24 
23
John why don’t you put your last name on your post if you’re gonna make these accusations about someone you admittedly do not know? His family and friends will be reading this article. Leave it alone, he’s gone now let him rest in peace.
Agree/Disagree:
5 
2
I FIND JOHN’S COMMENT POSTED ABOVE ON 04/06, VERY DISRESPECTFUL TO THE FAMILY, AND I FEEL AS THOUGH IT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY!
Agree/Disagree:
7 
2
Freedom of speech, DJ
Hot debate. What do you think?
5 
8
Or Libel
Agree/Disagree:
5 
2
The death of someone close to us leave us shocked with grief. We cannot understand how one minute this person was here and the next they are gone. The truth is that those we love are never truly gone. The body may have run its course, but the soul lives forever.
Joseph was not only my cousin, but a great friend. I have fond memories of him, and will hold those close to my heart forever.
Please keep the Arwood family in your thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
+++
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
11 
0
It looks like John has been reading the posts on CollegeACB.com, fueling further rumors that are ABSOLUTELY UNTRUE! Check where you get your information from before you start posting disrespectful things about people you do not know.
Agree/Disagree:
2 
2
Thank You Calvalier Daily for writing this article about Joseph. His death has come as a complete and total shock to our whole family. Joseph was a kind, caring, and intelligent young man; who had a very promising future ahead of him. But sadly he was taken from us all on Sunday. We can’t explain why these things happen in life….But they do. We have no right to question God, this was Joseph’s time to go and we have to except that. Please continue to remember our family in your prayers as we too are praying for Joseph’s fraternity brothers, friends, and fellow UVA students. May God give us all peace and understanding during this very difficult time.
We Love you Joseph–Until we meet again…..Give Pop a hug from us all.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
10 
0
I am saddened to see a comment like the first one posted here. One would hope that compassion and care for family and friends would lead us to exercise better discretion in what we choose to say. Rumors can be particularly hurtful and damaging. By all accounts, this was a kind and bright young man who was loved by the many who knew him.
Agree/Disagree:
6 
2
My thought and prayers do – and have – gone out to Joe and his family and friends. I hope he is in a better place now. I recently lost a good friend also at far too young an age. In his case, it was his chain smoking habit that had spanned decades.
John, I’d like to commend you IF indeed you have mutual friends and know the real story. You can bet that with all else the family has to deal with right now, the Casteen cover up machine is at them constantly. Indeed, Mr. Casteen has had to deal with these issues before:
http://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/23/us/11-held-and-3-fraternities-seized-in-drug-raids-at-u-of-virginia.html?pagewanted=1
Let’s face it, folks, otherwise healthy 21 year olds don’t just drop dead on their own. They overdose and/or commit suicide.
This story of such a young and bright student dying a horribly early death has already gotten more coverage than that of Will Barrow in 2008. I don’t think the former editors of the Cav Daily EVER put his cause of death (suicide) in the paper. I have a hunch the cause of death here will likewise be a well guarded secret orchestrated from on high on Carr’s Hill. If this was a 21 year old dying on Hardy drive, these details would have been out in the paper the next morning. But in this case, there’s this big “mystery.”
Pitiful that this cover story shows up a few pages away from three letters to the editor insisting that drug laws need to be liberalized! IF indeed John’s story of how this went down is true, the focus should be 100% on his fraternity brothers and others who obviously know where and from whom he was getting this crap, and how the hell this is STILL allowed to go on at UVA at such epidemic proportions. But I’m guessing that instead the story will just be whisked away as soon as possible – like Will Barrow’s did. Emotional abuse (as long as the victim is male and the abuser is female), along with drug overdoses among the student body – would garner negative publicity for “the university” after all..
Lydia, I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ve been there many times.
Hot debate. What do you think?
11 
33
I have heard from friends who are connected with some of the people who recently left the Cav Daily staff that the reason that the paper is not eager to publish stories about drugs and predatory dating is that there is a long standing atmosphere of drug abuse and sexual harassment in their offices. These people said that they simply could no longer work in such a disgusting and unsafe environment.
The ties that this paper has to the University administration shelter it from scrutiny. As the saying goes… never get into an argument with anyone who buys ink by the barrel. It’s about time this door was opened and some light was shed on the degenerates who operate the Cavalier Daily.
Hot debate. What do you think?
5 
25
Leave it to Sean to dig up a 20 year old article and stand on the soap box and take advantage of a death to stir the pot. Waaaay to go dude. Pretty low brow.
Hot debate. What do you think?
9 
7
Sean, once again you have been able to distinguish yourself as a callous jerk who takes any opportunity available to capitalize on the misfortune of others to further your agenda against Casteen and the University. Bravo!
Agree/Disagree:
6 
4
As entertaining as conspiracy theories may be, this seems like an inappropriate time and forum. This article is about Joseph, his life and tragic death, not about how Carr’s Hill is covering up some unsavory aspect of his death. I knew Joseph and knew him to be a quiet, but nice, polite, and musically-inclined young man.
Instead of focusing on hypotheticals, as we don’t even know the cause of death, I recommend we instead focus on Joseph’s life and memory. God bless him and may his family find peace in this difficult time. My heart and prayers go out to them.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
20 
4
Karma,
a friend of a friend who heard something is not a reliable source. Acusations that you are making are serious and should be thought through before putting them in an open forum like this. They are mean and acusatory without basis. That is the problem with tabloid trash and rumor, it is so hurtful and often not true. As we get older, we learn that our words have consequences and hopefully tone down the rhetoric.
Agree/Disagree:
8 
3
Jeff, you are exactly right. If anyone believes that my earlier post carries any weight at all, then you should pack your bags and leave the University because your presence here is an insult to the rest of the student body. That post contains not a single fact, a boatload of nasty allegations, and an admission that I have no idea what the heck I am talking about.
I posted it to illustrate to the editorial staff the pain they can cause by not maintaining their responsibility for the content on these forums. After several requests were made to encourage them to remove John’s post, no action had been taken. This is pathetic. I am very happy to see that the paper has finally removed John’s libelous post.
I encourage them to do the same with mine. It is entirely without merit. None of the accusations are accurate, and it does nothing to recognize the pain and suffering of the friends and family of a fine young man who was tragically lost this weekend.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Joe Arwood. Joe, by all accounts your time at the University was a gift to those who were fortunate enough to know you. Whatever the circumstances of your final hours, your passing was a loss to all of us. May your final gift be our ability to find a little more friendship, love, and truth in the community you left behind.
Agree/Disagree:
4 
0
I’d like to point out that re-stating the accusations in the redaction is despicable and shows a true lack of character on the Cavalier Daily editorial staff. Karma, if they had removed your first post before your second, I wonder if they would have done so with the same editorial slant.
If you remove a post because it states rumor as fact, and then you repeat the rumor can you really call yourself a journalist? Would you want this decision to be the one you are asked about at your next job interview?
Honor trumps ambition, and integrity is the foundation from which both should grow. I encourage the editorial staff of the Cavalier Daily to examine the wording of their statement and determine if this is an accusation they honestly feel comfortable standing behind. This is supposed to be a newspaper, not a tabloid. And you are supposed to be the leaders of tomorrow standing proud at center stage, not the slackers spreading rumors behind the bleachers.
God Bless Joe Arwood and his family. I wish that the University community and the editors of this paper had enough character to spare you the additional pain caused by the depraved rants of selfish egos.
Agree/Disagree:
3 
1
Bravo Sean, you’ve reached a new low.
Agree/Disagree:
0 
4
Just checked the Charlottesville news TV networks’ and newspapers’ websites for breaking, hot off the presses news about UVA:
“Jeff Jones to transfer from basketball program”
“Tiki Barber separates from wife”
UVA gets new LEED Building”
Not a word about a UVA student dropping unconscious at a frat house last Friday, or dying last Sunday at UVA hospital. They won’t dare.
Hate me all you want, folks, the Carr’s Hill media machine is very busy at present. We may never know the actual cause of death, but via word of mouth. We may just be “protected” from knowing such information. This will probably be another Will Barrow type situation where there’s one very carefully worded article saying that a young UVA student has died, no reason given. The end…
Again, my condolences to his family and friends, no matter how it did or did not happen. One way or the other, I know all too well how much this sucks for those who were close to him. But please, don’t let the UVA folks tell you to cover up what happened. Whatever it was, it’s time for some AWARENESS !
Hot debate. What do you think?
15 
35
Sean, the insensitivity of your comments are only eclipsed by their ignorance. I can’t fathom what kind of person would make such baseless insinuations during such a time as this.
Agree/Disagree:
5 
4
Sean,
There’s more respect for my brother on the UVA campus than you could ever imagine. If you haven’t learned that this isn’t the time for you to raise your hand and make a statement about the local media, then you’d better learn quickly. This comment page is made for people who knew him and have reasonable things to say about him. So it’s time for you to fuck off and take your opinions elsewhere.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
71 
5
Jacob,
I never said anything disrespectful about your brother, nor did I say that he was not respected. Quite on the contrary. Nor was anything I said unreasonable. If you read my posts again, you will see that.
I don’t take orders from you, so no promises regarding whether I post here again or not. But in deference to you if indeed my very polite comments and sympathy expressed to your family have upset grieving people further – I offer you an apology and I will go away from this thread for at least a while. At least until such time as there is concrete information.
I knew Will Barrow – although not well – and I was much closer to yet another person that very near ended in as bad a tragedy that occurred on campus. So it was salt in a wound, if you will. I stand by my words. Sorry (again) for your loss.
Hot debate. What do you think?
9 
39
Sean, your comments were not polite, completely unreasonable, and completely disrespectful of this situation. Go away and start up your own forum on College ACB or the Hook if you want to create controversy and gossip. One thing that continues to somehow elude you is your complete disregard for this family’s privacy (and in all likelihood, the privacy of the Barrow family as well).
Joe was an incredible human being who touched so many people here at U.Va. and elsewhere. He was one of the most unique individuals I have ever encountered, and I cannot describe to you how much his presence will be missed by those close to him. Keep his family in your prayers. Jacob, I’m here for you, man.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
33 
2
Jacob’s response to Sean’s insensitive and untimely comments only confirm what I already thought: Joe’s family is reading about him. Base speculation, conspiracy theories, and the like are irrelevant, unwelcome, and cruel. At a time like this, we should be here to support those who were closest to Joe; doing anything else is disrespectful and hurtful.
Joe was one of my closest friends and he was loved beyond measure. He was a kind, gentle, compassionate person who would have done anything for a person in need. There are not words for how much he will be missed; we would do anything to have him back.
He would have shown miles more respect and grace than some have chosen to show him. We would appreciate it if you would keep your hurtful comments to yourself while we mourn the loss of one of the most outstanding men we have ever had the privilege to know.
Jacob, we’re here for you. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone if you need anything at all.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
19 
1
I am still in shock that all of this has actually taken place. Its going to be some time before I’ll be at ease. Joe was quite possibly my best friend. He was my first friend, and the longest lasting one, and very few people are allowed the honor of knowing a person like him. Without a doubt, there is no comparison to stand up next to him. He was friends to all who knew him, and if he had any enemies, I’ve never caught word of them. He was brilliant, talented, and caring. He inspired me in many ways, and often opened the doors to new and amazing things to myself and all of his other friends. I am glad, however, that he actually lived his life. Many people make it through the daily grind without living, but not Joe. He was full of life, more so than most can claim, and he instilled everyone around him with that life as well. While he may have passed, I know that he lives on in every person he had contact with, and he will never be forgotten, and he will never fade away.
See you on the flip-side.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
14 
0
In the CavDaily organizational chart, monitoring the comments specifically falls under the duties of the Online Editor. Apparently, this Online Editor just wasn’t paying attention or doing her job. Heads need to roll over this one…you can’t leave a comment like John’s up on the website for this long of a time period. Considering the Online Editor hasn’t done shit else with the website since she took over, I’m thinking this is a good time for you to step down, Stevie.
Hot debate. What do you think?
7 
5
I’m not sure how the Cavalier Daily limiting comments on their website has any relation to freedom of speech? Do they happen to have some Congressional connection I’m not aware of? I would personally like to see the comments disabled for this article as it is completely off topic to its original intent: mourning the loss of a friend.
Joe I miss you with all of my heart and I will never forget the phone call you answered in the middle of the night.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
10 
2
Our sincerest condolences from the Alpha of New York.
The WWI plaque at the top of the stairs in our house has a phrase:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will keep Joe, his family and his brothers in our prayers.
Never forget the brother,
Sigma Phi Society
Alpha of New York
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
39 
0
Dear All:
I had no intention of being disrespectful to Joe or his family or any of his fraternity brothers or friends. I am a friend of his friends. Perhaps you all are right, I should not reveal rumors, although I did hear them from people affiliated with members of Sigma Phi. I apologize for upsetting anyone. That was not my intention.
I have heard nothing but good things about Joe–he was a brilliant young man with a promising future. His death is truly a tragedy but it is one that I hope, when all is revealed, we can all learn from–no matter how hard the lesson.
I feel strongly about Joe’s case because his death is a symptom of a broader problem that needs to be more thoroughly addressed by the University, its students and students’ parents. There is a developed subculture of illegal drug (ab)use at the University that I think many students and perhaps much of the faculty is unaware of or in denial about. And that is not to mention the problems alcohol causes or exacerbates–which is definitely underplayed and denied and laughed at.
I think it is an issue that the University and its students and our society in general needs to address more thoroughly. And I’m really not trying to say that UVA has a major problem–but it is one that is more prevalent than many will admit–and I know because I was a part of it.
The major side of UVA’s drug problem revolves around marijuana and illegally used and acquired prescription drugs: benzodiazpines (Xanax, Valium, etc), painkillers (Vicodin and Percocet) and stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin). And a lot of people who (ab)use these drugs won’t use street drugs such as marijuana i.e. while a lot of street drug users will use Adderall, some students are more than willing to use Adderall but would never smoke weed–and sort of surprising, some street drug users won’t use prescription drugs, only street drugs.
That all said, I will admit that my initial comment was perhaps inappropriate. I was merely revealing what I was told and my speculations about his cause(s) of death. While I am confident that my information is factual and my speculations well-founded, I understand why they might be construed/viewed as inappropriate. While the medical examiner has not released their findings about Joe’s death to the public (and perhaps they won’t or after much time has passed), I hope the examiner’s findings are released in a timely fashion. We are Joe’s peers, and many of us would like to know why Joe died. And perhaps he would want us to know. Maybe if we all know what happened, similar tragedies and accidents can be avoided in the future.
I apologize for being insensitive, but I do think Joe’s peers deserve to know what happened.
Hot debate. What do you think?
17 
38
John, a proper apology might have looked something like the first two paragraphs you wrote, and would typically be a little less “I’m sorry if perhaps I offended you,” and a little more “I am sorry, I was wrong.”
Joe was just about as unique an individual as they come and had many wonderful things to offer this world, but when I reflect upon my time with him I am most struck by his kindness and benevolence toward others. I hope that his family and close friends may be consoled in their grief by knowing that Joe had a significant and lasting impact on so many of his peers in the time that he was with us.
Agree/Disagree:
6 
3
John, go away, and stop and posting at 4:30 in the morning so your comments stay up for 8 hours. This is a forum to mourn the loss of a loved member of the University community, not to start gossip. Your comments are entirely inappropriate. You’re not one of Joe’s peers; you’re a selfish individual who wants to be seen on a forum “making a point” or “raising awareness.” Fuck off and respect the family’s privacy.
Show some judgment, people, and use this thread appropriately. I agree that comments should potentially be turned off on this one.
And please, pray for Joe and his family. Joe, you will never be forgotten.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
28 
7
Sean,
I’m sorry for your loss and it is a sad side effect that this tragedy has reminded you of it. I appreciate that you are taking a step back from the comment section after Jacob’s post and that you are respecting Joseph’s family’s wishes. This article is simply about remembering a thoughtful young man and those close to him.
Sean and John,
If you continue to take issue with the newspaper or University’s approach to Joseph’s or Will’s unfortunate deaths, or are concerned with substance abuse in at UVa, I recommend you choose an alternate forum to address the subject. You can write a letter to Charlottesville’s elected officials, a letter to the editor of the Cavalier Daily and other publications or even contact the school administration itself. You can donate time to charity organizations that address issues facing the young adult community. Be proactive, strive to achieve actual results and above all, be helpful. Not only will you be more respectful of the Arwood and Barrow families’ mourning and grief, you will ultimately find more success and reward following that path than you will with the one chosen thus far online.
It is an ugly offense to a family when the anonymous general public will not offer them space to grieve, and the insensitivity of unnecessary posts cannot be overstated. Please continue to remember that this tragedy has affected more lives than just yours – Lydia, Jacob and the rest of the Arwood family deserve this consideration and much more right now.
By every account Joe was a talented, good man and will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences go to both the Arwood family and his friends.
Best,
Nate
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
28 
1
Joseph was a wonderful person. End of story. He will be missed and forever treasured as a great friend, family member and neighbor.
There is a fan page on Facebook for those who’d like to join. “In Memory of Joseph Arwood” – come share your stories with all of his hometown and college friends, people he know for a lifetime or for only ten minutes.
We all love him completely and hopelessly.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
15 
0
As a cousin of Joseph I would like to take a moment to say, “Thank You” to the Cavalier Daily for writing such an excellent article about Joseph and I know that he would have been completely humbled by this. The news of his sudden illness and death came as a complete earth-shaking shock to his family, friends and the community where he lived.
Joseph was a kind, caring and super intelligent young man, who had a passion for life, which included his Savior (Jesus Christ), his family, friends, his love of books, music and his yearning to learn more.
Joseph will be sorely missed by all that loved and knew him and I will truly miss his warm, sweet smiling face.
The family will continue to pray for Joseph’s fraternity brothers, friends and his fellow UVA students, for God to give each of you strength, peace and understanding through this difficult time and I ask for your prayers, and respect for Joseph’s immediate family.
I know it hurts to say goodbye, but don’t you know it’s just a matter of time. Until the tears are going to end and we’ll see your sweet, smiling face again.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
23 
0
To Joe’s Family and Friends – may you find peace and comfort. May you also use this tragedy to teach and to save others.
I also pray that the youngsters who love to use the “f” word also realize how inappropriate their language is – grow up.
Hot debate. What do you think?
11 
24
Sean,
There are any number of reasons why young, otherwise healthy people, die suddenly. Undiagnosed congenital heart defects, dilated cardiomyopathy, pulmonary embolism, and intracranial hemorrhage are highest on the list. While these all may present with various symptoms, it is certainly possible to die suddenly and quickly from them.
My point is simply that you’re not a medical expert, you rarely know what you’re talking about on here, and you never miss an opportunity to be a self-righteous douche. Stick to your abortion soapbox. It suits your particular type of assholic behavior best.
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
21 
7
Joe,
Hey…its Nathaniel. I just wanted to tell ya that I’m going to miss you. We never did get that lunch day in….but we will soon. You were one of the smartest, brightest persons that I knew. It is going to be really hard going on without you. Everyone misses you…and they will never forget you. I love ya man.
Your cousin,
Nathaniel Smith
Agree/Disagree:
6 
0
Why is it that when someone young dies (Joseph would have been 22 years old tomorrow)rumors and speculation always turn to drugs or suicide?Many of us think it’s a harmless activity but the truth is that gossip is destructive on so many levels! I am Joseph’s cousin and I have known him his whole life. I watched him grow into a decent, upstanding and very intelligent young man. We don’t know the cause of Joseph’s death and for me to speculate would be an insult to Joseph’s memory and to the people who really knew and loved him. Young people die of natural causes just like older people. Joseph would have been an outstanding asset to society if he had lived. He accomplished so much in his short life that some people will never achieve in 100 years. I feel sorry for people like John and others that have “speculated” what may have caused Joseph’s death. I don’t know if it’s jealousy or the need to gossip to make themselves feel special. I know that Joseph was a very SPECIAL person and he will be missed by not only me, but so many others who took the time to know him and love him.
Agree/Disagree:
7 
1
Joe was a special person, everyone loved him. That is true. We should still be honest about how he died. Good, decent and loved people make mistakes and sometimes meet tragic ends. Joe did not commit suicide. He died accidently. Why won’t anyone come forward and tell how he did die. Clear up the rumors and let everyone know. How did he die?
Agree/Disagree:
4 
5
The family doesn’t have the autopsy reports back as of yet. When and if they decide to release that info is not for me to say. I will say I don’t think drugs were involved and he didn’t commit suicide. You are right good and decent people do make mistakes, but why “speculate” with rumors? That only hurts the family and his friends.
Agree/Disagree:
5 
0
I came home night before last to find my wife in tears & furious. She was checking on her website visability under various search engines & the name Arwood linked to articles about Joseph in the Cav. Daily. She’d just found Seans comments (fortunately John’s first had been removed). So I’ve entered this theater a bit late late in the show, but pass me the spotlight. First of all, thank you to all who have blasted John & Sean. I would’ve handled it myself, had I known about it. I’m a pedi/neo Flight Nurse in south Texas. I go get critically ill patients from newborn to adult & my team does our best to keep them alive to get to our hospital. So, I’ve spent many years dealing with life & death on a daily basis. Joseph was my 1st. experience on the other side of the equation ( a horrible place to be). But I am all too aware of the various causes of death; intentional, accidental or unknown medical. The fact is that we still havn’t rec’d an answer from the medical examiners office. And no Sean, its the State…beyond President Casteens’ jurisdiction. I’ve known cases that take up to 6 months to receive a result. Sean & John would both have benefitted from meeting Joe. He was patient & kind & would have listened to you & helped you find resolution to your anger. He would have cared about your opinion & have been facinated why you became the people you are. But for me…I am not nearly as great a person as Joe was…I’m just old enough and Redneck enough that I would be content to kick your asses and calmly walk away and sleep like a baby knowing you got what you deserved. Yep, you’d have been better off knowing Joe than me. There’s an old saying “It’s better to remain silent & thought an idiot, than to speak up & remove all doubt.” Sean & John…you’ve both spoken up too much. Sam Arwood
High-rated - Agree/Disagree:
15 
2
Just a note to clarify, if anyone doesn’t know…I’m Joe’s Dad. Sam
Agree/Disagree:
6 
0
I’m sorry for your loss, Mr Artwood. I did not know your son personally but have heard from a housemate who knew him that he was a great guy….just a solid, good guy worthy of trust and admiration.
Sean, just from reading his numerous and long winded posts, seems has serious emotional issues as well as having no sense of decency. He claims he is an “activist”, but as far as I can tell he is an individual in need of help for several trying and traumatic events that have taken place recently in his life. I really hope he doesn’t realize how hurtful some of his rants can be…because if he did he would think twice before posting some of the more absurd and shameful for unassuming readers to view. Your wife is not the first grieving person who has unnecessarily upset by his use of someone else’s tragedy to garner attention for himself. I can only imagine your anger…
My prayers go out to you and your family.
Agree/Disagree:
4 
1
Sean
Your silence is deafening.
Agree/Disagree:
4 
2
Rumor has it that it was substance abuse. I have been by Sigma Phi and seen tables full of hard liquor being served to under age students. The adults at U.Va. have turned a blind eye to alcohol at fraternity and sorority parties for years, trusting that their message of moderation and care for drunk students without legal recrimination is going to save lives. It’s not working. The whole curriculum needs to change so that students don’t have to take all the mind numbing introductory courses instead of studying what they are really interested in. If they spent their time studying interesting subjects, they would be less inclined to try the escape of alcohol or drugs. Try opening up the professional schools, such as architecture, commerce, engineering, and law to all undergraduates. I’m not saying they should take a full course load in these schools, but have the opportunity to take a few classes, and then maybe major there. Right now, as I said, the pablum of the first two years at U.Va. is mind numbing and leads to substance abuse. Too much free time for all the money and important opportunities being missed. Give students something better for their dollar.
Agree/Disagree:
3 
5