Investigation continues in death at Cal U dorm
The death of a Westmoreland County man in a California University of Pennsylvania dorm room remains under investigation. The body of Joseph D. Baker, 21, of North Huntingdon was found in a room in Longanecker Hall Saturday evening.
Campus Police Chief Jim Hansen said Baker, who was not a student on campus, had been visiting a friend, and had arrived on campus sometime prior to 3 a.m. Saturday, but reportedly returned to the dorm at 3 a.m.
“They have to sign in. They’re supposed to sign in,” Hansen said of visitors to the on-campus housing. “He came down to visit a friend from home.”
According to Hansen, the friend found Baker unresponsive around 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
“He was found by the resident of the room, who notified the community assistant,” Hansen said.
Hansen said the community assistant immediately contacted his office. Baker was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:32 p.m., although the exact time of the death is not known.
Police are listing Baker’s death as an “unattended death,” meaning that no one was with him when he died.
An autopsy was conducted Monday by the Washington County Coroner’s office, but the results are being withheld until the results of toxicology tests are available. The results are expected in the next week, according to the coroner’s office.
Funeral arrangements for Baker are being handled by the Joseph F. Ott Funeral Home, which is located in Irwin. The family has asked that donations be made to accessAbilities, 2904 Seminary Drive, Greensburg, Pa. 15601.
According to Vince Capozzi, the public relations director for accessAbilities, the agency assists individuals with all types of disabilities.
“It’s anything from attendant care to early childhood education,” Capozzi explained. “It’s to allow people with disabilities to live in their homes, sometimes with just a little bit of help.”
Capozzi said the agency also offers in-home physical, occupational and speech therapies and other services for children with disabilities.
Capozzi said the Baker family was connected to the agency through a relative.