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A 19-year-old Appalachian State University student from Charlotte was discovered dead in a creek on campus Saturday morning.
Few details about Tyler Blalock’s death were released Saturday, and it’s unclear how the North Mecklenburg High School graduate died. Blalock’s mother told Observer news partner WCNC-TV that he apparently hit his head on a rock, but she did not know what caused him to fall.
University officials said the body was reported by a passer-by who spotted it in a section of Kraut Creek, which runs through Durham Park. The park, which is near the intersection of Rivers Street and Hardin Street (U.S. 321), is across from the Holmes Convocation Center.
The creek is known to rise quickly and flood during heavy rains, according to reports. The Boone campus is about 100 miles northwest of Charlotte.
ASU Police Chief Gunther Doerr said the circumstances surrounding Blalock’s death remain under investigation. Police did not say whether they suspect foul play.
Appalachian State hosted a football game Saturday afternoon against Coastal Carolina.
Students said they held a moment of silence for Blalock at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
This weekend is the university’s “Family Weekend.”
“The thoughts and concerns of the Appalachian community are with Tyler’s family and friends during this difficult time,” university officials said in a statement.
Blalock’s Facebook page says he had worked as a lifeguard and graduated from North Mecklenburg High in 2011.
At Appalachian State, he was a sophomore studying sustainable development.
As news of his death spread, friends and classmates posted their condolences and prayers for Blalock’s family on Facebook and Twitter.
“Tyler, you were such a great friend …,” one wrote. “I hate that this is goodbye.”
Anyone with information about his death is asked to call the ASU police at 828-262-2150.
Staff researcher Marion Paynter contributed.
