Police investigating the death of David Shannon, an 18-year-old student at UNC-Chapel Hill, believe they've determined the cause.
Shannon's body was discovered late Saturday night along a bike trail that runs parallel to railroad tracks, reports The Daily Tar Heel. Officials initially only stated they didn't believe Shannon's death posed a threat to the rest of the UNC-Chapel Hill community.
Authorities now believe Shannon fell 17 feet onto a concrete floor while climbing on machinery at a concrete factory. UNC News has reason to believe alcohol played a factor in Shannon's death. At this time, they do not suspect any foul play.
Police told the Daily Tar Heel that Shannon's body was found approximately 90 yards away from the spot where he fell.
“He had a truly loving and friendly personality. He made friends easily,” family friend Bryan Joyner told the Charlotte Observer. “He wasn’t just well-liked, he was well-loved. Everyone adored David.”
A vigil for the student will be held Monday night at 8 p.m. in the Pit on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus.
According to WNCT, Shannon is the second UNC-Chapel Hill student who has died in the last several months.
Faith Hedgepeth, 19, appears to have been killed in her apartment on September 7. Authorities have released little information regarding that case other than to suggest that it was not a random act of violence. That investigation is ongoing.