UPDATED at 11:22 a.m. on Dec. 4 2017
On Monday morning, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office ruled James Orlando’s death on Saturday was caused by an overdose.
No other details were provided.
UPDATED at 10:38 a.m. on Dec. 4, 2017
University officials and Temple Student Government issued responses to the death of James Orlando, a junior Fox School of Business student, on Monday morning.
Moshe Porat, the dean of the Fox School of Business, said in a statement that Fox is “saddened” by Orlando’s death, which is the second death of a Fox School student in less than a week. Senior marketing major Michael Paytas died of an accidental drug intoxication last Monday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with James’ family and friends, to whom we send our heartfelt condolences,” he added.
TSG also issued a statement, noting Orlando “was always the first to crack a joke to ease tension.” It also urged those affected to utilize on-campus resources like Tuttleman Counseling Services.
“These past few months have not been easy for a single member of the Temple Community,” the statement read. “To the family, friends, colleagues, coworkers, professors and peers of James: we mourn with you.”
Statement regarding the passing of James Orlando. To the family and friends of James: we mourn with you. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/2qO1eEQLgA
— Temple Student Government (@TempleTSG) December 4, 2017
Student Body President Tyrell Mann-Barnes also spoke out about Orlando’s death.
This has truly been a tough semester for the Temple community. Rest In Peace, James Orlando. Sending prayers and love to all family and friends.
— Tyrell Mann-Barnes (@MannBarnes) December 3, 2017
UPDATED at 6:32 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2017
James Orlando, a junior Fox School of Business student who was found dead in an off-campus residence on Saturday, was an initiated member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Zeta Beta Tau, according to a fraternity official.
Orlando lived in the off-campus residence where he was found, said Laurence Bolotin, the executive director of ZBT’s national headquarters.
“We join the entire Temple University community to mourn the loss of this young man,” Bolotin wrote in a statement to The Temple News. “We send out deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
ZBT is not recognized by the university. Students are “discouraged from associating” with ZBT, according to the Student Activities website.
Junior Fox School of Business student James Orlando was found dead on Saturday morning in an off-campus apartment, officials said.
Philadelphia and Temple Police responded to a 911 call about Orlando on Saturday morning to a residence on Berks Street near 18th, university spokesman Brandon Lausch said.
Orlando was pronounced dead after police arrived to the residence, Philadelphia Police Officer Tanya Little said.
Foul play is not suspected, and Orlando’s cause of death is still being determined by the city’s Medical Examiner’s Office, Lausch added.
“We are extremely saddened by the passing of James Orlando, a third-year business student from Reading, Pennsylvania,” university officials said in a statement. “He was 20 years old. We grieve alongside everyone who knew James and encourage all members of the Temple community to think of and pray for his loved ones.”
This is the second Fox School of Business student to die suddenly this week.
A friend of Orlando created a GoFundMe page called the “James Orlando Memorial Fund.” The page, created Saturday, has raised $500 of its $5,000 goal.
“James was a carefree fun loving [sic] guy, he cherished moments with his friends,” the page read. “He was always first to crack a joke to ease tension and the first to make someone feel welcome.”
Many friends who commented on the GoFundMe page noted Orlando’s caring attitude and love for his friends.
This story is developing. Check back at The Temple News for more information.
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