By Megan Fleming ’14 | Editor-in-Chief

Last evening, Renell Perkins ’13 was found dead in his dorm room at William-Penn University in Iowa, Student Assistance Coordinator Doug Roby said.  He passed away from diabetic shock.

Perkins was the starting running back and safety on the Varsity Football team last year and was playing football at William-Penn, Assistant Head Coach Bill Fleming said.

The football team was assembled in the varsity locker room at the end of first hour and informed of the death from Head Coach Tim Brandon.

“He was a really good kid, a great guy with an incredible sense of humor,” said Counselor Beth Walsh-Sahutske.  “We wanted to honor him properly and make sure the correct news was deciminated.”

Roby was informed last night from Grosse Pointe Park Police Officer Dave Loch, who was contacted by the Iowa State Police.

Counseling is available in Cleminson Hall for anyone needing support, Assistant Principal Terry Flint said. There is a poster board for Perkins’ family that students can sign throughout the day.

See next Wednesday’s issue of The Tower for more on the life of Renell Perkins.