Yale Student from Fort Hunt Dies on Campus

A Yale University freshman from Fort Hunt died Wednesday in a campus laboratory, according to a university dean.

According to a press release from the university, Zachary Brunt was found in the Josiah Willard Gibbs Laboratories early Wednesday afternoon.

Brunt is a graduate of and attended .

The university reported that police were called shortly after 2 p.m. Brunt was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was taken to the state medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.

Yale College Dean Mary Miller said there was “no evidence of foul play nor is there any indication of an accident,” according to the press release.

Miller called Brunt a "brilliant, outgoing young scientist and musician," according to the university.

The Yale Police Department is conducting a full investigation into the death. A university spokesman said Thursday he had no further comment on the investigation.

In an email to freshmen, Davenport College Master Richard Schottenfeld said, “His death is a terrible shock to all of us, and we hope that we will be able to give each other comfort and support this evening and in the days ahead.”

Schottenfeld said he spoke to Brunt’s parents Wednesday afternoon and expects to meet with them when they arrive in New Haven today.

According to the press release, Brunt was slated to travel to Houston, Texas, on Thursday to take a zero-gravity flight and conduct physics research with four other students and their adviser. The group’s student leader said they have canceled their plans in light of his death.

A Fairfax County Schools spokesman said Brunt was class president at Thomas Jefferson in 2007-08, was active in track and field and was a member of the Russian honor society.