A 21-year-old Ohio University junior and resident of 23 Palmer St. died this evening after friends say he hanged himself in the residence.
According to other Palmer Street residents, police and emergency medical officials removed a body from 23 Palmer around 7:20 p.m. Athens Police have confirmed that the deceased was OU student Stephen Rung, also known as Stephen Meno.
No suspicious elements were uncovered and no foul play is suspected, according to Athens Police.
Rung, of Westlake, Ohio, was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, according to a news release from Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Ryan Lombardi.
“My deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends,” Lombardi said. “It is a tragedy to lose a life at such a young age and I have heard from his friends and family only good things about Stephen.”
Rung, who attended St. Ignatius High School, was studying in OU’s College of Business.
"He was one of the nicest guys I knew," said Kevin Lenahan, an OU senior and acquaintance of Meno. "He shared everything he had."
The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity released the following statement.
"He was an unbelievable person, friend, and brother," said a statement from the fraternity. "He will be missed every day, and never forgotten. Our fraternity wants to thank everyone that has kept Steve and his family and friends in their prayers."
Pi Kappa Phi president Shane Darrow will remember Rung for his positive attitude.
"Steve was the most selfless person I have ever met, and always had a smile on his face," Darrow said. "He was the type of person that brought out the very best in everyone he was around. He was the best brother you could ever ask for."
Students who would like to talk with a counselor are encouraged to call 740-593-1616.
—Wesley Lowery and Xander Zellner contributed to this report
