The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student died in a Sandburg Residence Hall on the morning of Sunday, Apr. 19.
According to a report obtained from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, the student was 19-year-old Thomas R. Tatterson.
The death was also listed as an accident, according to the report.
Tatterson’s obituary stated that he was a nursing student at UWM and a Mequon native.
Shortly after Sunday morning, students said that word began to circulate regarding a death in the dorms.
“Some of my friends who live in the dorms said they saw the medical examiner’s car outside of Sandburg,” said 20-year-old Isabel Gitzlaff. “That’s when they knew something was going on.”
When asked for a statement, a university spokesperson provided the following:
“Consistent with UWM protocol and to protect privacy, we do not share details about a student death; however, we do provide support resources to those directly impacted and share in the mourning of any member of our campus community.”
Prior Sandburg Student Deaths
This isn’t the first time that a student has passed in a Sandburg Residence Tower. In 2021, two freshmen died just months apart in their dorms.
19-year-old freshman Logan Rachwal died in his dorm on Valentine’s Day in 2021. Just a few months later, 18-year-old Cade Reddington died in his dorm room on Nov. 4, 2021.
The Love Logan Foundation and Cade’s Light were founded in the students’ memories. Both memorials aim to educate the public about the dangers of Fentanyl.
Fallen Panthers is a digital web page that honors students who have passed in recent years. Here, students can leave messages to the family of the deceased individuals, as well as find support resources.
Tatterson’s obituary described him as “a kind young man of gentle wit and remarkable depth who embraced both global adventures and quiet, cozy moments at home.”
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has yet to make a public statement regarding the situation, and the student’s cause of death has not yet been released.