Freshman found dead in Calvary Cemetery

Funeral scheduled

By: Sarah Kloepping

Posted: 9/17/08

The body of a UW-Whitewater freshman was found Monday in Calvary Cemetery.

Joseph R. Hummer, 18, was discovered by maintenance crewmembers at approximately 2:59 p.m., said City of Whitewater Police Department Lt. Lisa Otterbacher.

The cause of death has initially been ruled as death by asphyxiation, according to an autopsy conducted Tuesday morning.

"It's under investigation," Otterbacher said. "It's going to to take some days to figure everything out and review … Right now, nothing gives any signs of foul play."

The University Police Department also responded to the report of 'an unresponsive individual lying in the cemetery.'

"This is a tragedy for our campus, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends that are affected by this," University Police Chief Matt Kiederlen said.

Hummer, from Beloit, Wis., graduated in 2008 from Turner High School.

"As a campus community we are in mourning for Joseph." Chancellor Richard Telfer said in a campus-wide e-mail. "We are concerned about the well being of all of our students. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Joseph."

The visitation for Hummer is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at Daley, Murphy, Wisch & Assoc. Funeral Home, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, Wis.

Hummer's funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 747 Hackett St. in Beloit.

Counseling services are available for students, faculty and staff at University Health and Counseling Services.

To schedule an appointment call (262) 472-1305 for an appointment . Walk-ins also are accepted. A grief group meets at 4 p.m. Tuesdays on the second floor of the Ambrose Health Center.

The Royal Purple will continue to have more information as it comes available.