Cal Poly identifies student found dead on campus
Cal Poly on Friday identified a student whose body was recently found on campus.
The Cal Poly Police Department first received a report early Monday morning that someone had been found dead near the R-4 parking structure at Poly Canyon Village. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office was then called in to help with the investigation.
Cal Poly identifed the person who died as Zachary Blanchard, a biomedical engineering student who participated in PolyPhonics, a branch of the university’s choir.
The university has not released further information about the cause of Blanchard’s death, which is still under investigation by the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
“We know that events like this can overwhelm a person’s natural ability to cope,” the university’s In Memoriam page reads. “It is normal to experience a range of emotions, including strong physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioral reactions. Please know that Cal Poly is here to support you during this difficult time.”
Additionally, the university shared the contact information for Blanchard’s parents, Susan and Carey. Those who wish to share their condolences with the family can email susanandcarey@comcast.net.
Need counseling? Here’s how to get help
Cal Poly has resources for students who may need it.
To schedule an appointment with campus counseling, call 805-756-2511 and tell the front desk you need to speak to a counselor urgently. After hours, follow the prompts to select “option 2” to speak with a counselor.
You can also go to the counseling office at building 27 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cal Poly’s Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling services to all university employees and their families. To speak with a counselor, call the 24-hour support hotline at 800-367-7474.
This story was originally published April 15, 2022 at 1:47 PM with the headline "Cal Poly identifies student found dead on campus."
