According to a death certificate released Nov. 4 by the Vermont Department of Health, Kathleen Cook, the associate director of the Department of Residential Life at the University of Vermont, died Oct. 30 as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to a release last week from UVM Police Chief Lianne Tuomey, officers saw heavy smoke around Cook’s residence at 448 South Prospect St., near UVM’s campus in Burlington.
Investigation by local and state officials determined that there was “no foul play or accidental causes” related to the fire, Tuomey said, adding that there is no continuing risk to the UVM community.
In an interview Oct. 31, Tuomey would not give additional details on the cause of the fire or Cook's cause of death.
A message to students from UVM President Thomas Sullivan said that Cook was “a devoted educator, mentor, colleague, and friend” who “touched the lives of many students, staff, and faculty.”
Sullivan encouraged students in the UVM community in need of support to call the University’s Counseling and Psychiatry Services center at 802-656-3340. University employees are encouraged to call the Wellness Corporation at 800-361-5527.
VPR's Vermont Edition will discuss issues of suicide and suicide prevention on Wed., Nov. 5. Tune into VPR at noon and 7 p.m. Listeners can submit questions or comments to vermontedition@vpr.net.
