Dear UNT community,

With a heavy heart, I must share with our community that the young man who was killed in an altercation with Denton Police early this morning was a UNT student. We are not releasing the student's name at this time per request of the Denton Police Department and the Texas Rangers, pending family notification. A statement from the Denton Police Department can be read here.

This tragedy cuts a young life short, and we are keeping his family, friends, and the officers involved in our hearts. We ask that our students, faculty, and staff support each other in expressing their grief.

Counseling will be available from 10 a.m. to noon and from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Chestnut Hall, Room 311. Buddy, a therapy poodle with Counseling and Testing Services, also will be available. UNT's counseling services for students also can be reached by calling 940-565-2741, and the Dean of Students office is available at 940-565-2648. Faculty and staff can take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program by calling 800-343-3822. 

One of the greatest things we offer one another at UNT is family. Our family is hurting today, and we need to be there for one another. Tragedy can evoke a multitude of emotions, and I ask that members of our community look to one another with empathetic hearts and gentle understanding as we face this together.

Sincerely,
Neal Smatresk
President