The search for former University student Chyler Ebersold ended yesterday when one of the many concerned groups looking for him discovered his body shortly after 10 a.m., Charlottesville Police said. Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that Ebersold died from a self-inflicted wound at an unknown time. He was 23.
According to Charlottesville Police Chief Tim Longo, Ebersold was found on University Grounds a short distance from his house on Stadium Road.
As a Type I diabetic, Ebersold's medical need of insulin made the search particularly critical. Although Longo refrained from going into detail about the circumstances of Ebersold's death, he said during the preliminary investigations police discovered "certain information" which made the search more urgent. His body showed evidence that was "consistent with a self-inflicted wound," Longo said.
Jo Anne Ebersold, Chyler's mother, said she was not prepared to make a statement at the time she was reached. In a previous interview, she said her son had been despondent recently after being released from his employment as a UTS bus driver.
"Our hearts go out to his family, his mom, his brothers," said Rebecca White, a director of University Parking and Transportation. "The bus drivers are a very tight group, and this is just tragic. We're shocked."
Chyler Ebersold, last seen Jan. 20 at 11 p.m., was reported missing Jan. 22. According to Longo, over 100 volunteers and emergency staff helped in the search along with the Charlottesville, Albemarle and University police forces.
"When we lose one member of the University community, it sends a ripple effect throughout the community," University spokesperson Carol Wood said. "His mother is also a University employee [in the Donor Relations department], and the University is trying to reach out to the family in their time of grief."
Wood said the Dean of Students has been in touch with the Ebersold family, and counseling services were made available immediately to Chyler Ebersold's friends.
"Outreach began immediately," she said.
University psychological services are available to all students and staff members dealing with the tragedy.
"A sense of grief and shock is very common in response to suicide, and those are normal feelings," said Russ Federman, director of Counseling and Psychological Services. "If the intensity of reactions starts interfering with day-to-day functioning, then I suggest they get help. We've already met once with a group of student drivers mid-afternoon today, and anyone that feels like they need help are more than welcome to come in or call."
Wood said although a date has not yet been set for memorial services, they are planned for later this week at the University chapel.
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