Third UNI Student Dies During 2015 Fall Semester

For the third time during the 2015 fall semester, authorities are investigating the death of a student at the University of Northern Iowa.

UNI President Bill Ruud sent a campus-wide email notifying the university community about the death of Paul Zaccone on Sunday (Dec. 13, 2015). Zaccone was a freshman from Harlan, who was majoring in global studies.

In the email (posted below), Ruud said the cause of Zaccone's death is currently unknown. Neither suicide or foul play are suspected.

This marks the second time in a span of one month that a student has died at UNI. Kyle Raarup, a sophomore from Wyoming, Minnesota, was found dead in his dorm room at Dancer Hall on Nov. 12.

Caitlyn Burns, a freshman from LeClaire, was also found dead in her campus dorm room on Sept. 23.

Ruud said the university is offering counseling services for UNI students, faculty, and staff who need help dealing with Zaccone's death.

Letter from UNI President Bill Ruud:

Sunday, December 13, 2015
Dear UNI Family,

It is with great sadness that we share with you the loss of a member of the UNI family. Paul Zaccone, a freshman from Harlan, Iowa, died today. Paul was majoring in global studies.

At this point in time the cause of death is unknown but suicide nor foul play are suspected.

To students who may need some extra support in dealing with this tragic event, on-campus resources are available to help. The UNI Counseling Center has counselors available in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please remember that after-hours services are also available by calling 319-273-2676 and selecting option 2 at the prompt. I strongly encourage you to make use of these services during this time of mourning.

Please keep Paul's loved ones in your thoughts as they move through this difficult time. Details relative to memorial services will be sent as soon as they are known.

Bill Ruud
President