Authorities investigating death of Northwestern student in dormitory

Authorities are investigating the death of a Northwestern University student found in a dormitory Tuesday in north suburban Evanston.

Jason Arkin, 20, suffered some type of seizure in the student lounge of the 1835 Hinman dorm a few minutes before 5 a.m. Tuesday, according to Evanston Police Cmdr. Joe Dugan.

The Evanston Fire Department was able to speak with Arkin and he was taken to Evanston Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:25 p.m., according to police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

An autopsy Wednesday did not rule on Arkin’s cause and manner of death, pending further investigation and toxicology tests.

Dugan said the student may have committed suicide. Evanston detectives are investigating.

Northwestern spokesman Bob Rowley said there is no indication of foul play or danger to the community.

Arkin was a third-year student at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering, according to a statement from the university. He was originally from Overland Park, Kan.

“Today I am thankful to be part of the Wildcat family and in a community where we support one another. Take good care of yourselves — and each other — and please let my colleagues and me know if we can be helpful to you,” Dean of Students Todd Adam said in a note sent to students.