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WCU student is found dead Saturday at Catamount Peak
By Lynn Hotaling
A 19-year-old Western Carolina University student was found dead in Cullowhee Saturday morning at Catamount Peak apartments.
Sean Anthony Cerda of High Point was found around 9:10 on Oct. 6. He was lying face down in front of a green Ford Ranger pickup, which was subsequently determined to be his truck, according to Jackson County Sheriff Jimmy Ashe, who said there is no evidence that foul play was involved in the student’s death.
Cerda, who was last seen at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics in consultation with the Harris Regional Hospital medical examiner. Sheriff’s Office personnel were called to the scene along with first responders and EMS, Ashe said. An examination of the scene revealed a small pool of blood next to the victim, who had a laceration to his forehead, the sheriff said.
According to Ashe, it appears that the victim struck his head on the curb.
“His injuries are not inconsistent with such a fall,” Ashe said, adding that an exact determination could not be made until an autopsy is completed.
The sheriff also said there are indications that alcohol may have played a role in Cerda’s death but that such a determination would also have to await autopsy results. Several witnesses indicated that Cerda had been at a party on Friday night, Ashe said.
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