In memoriam: Donvontae Walton, was to be residential learning coordinator in Pritchard Hall

Donvontae Walton of Racine, Wisconsin, who recently arrived in Blacksburg to begin his professional career as a residential learning coordinator in Pritchard Hall, has died. He was 24 years old.

Walton was found in his Pritchard Hall apartment by Virginia Tech Police Monday. Police have ruled out foul play. Investigators suspect natural causes for his death, after an autopsy performed on Walton was inconclusive. There were no abnormalities or injuries to indicate cause of death.

The investigation is ongoing and police request public assistance in the matter. If anyone has any information to share, please contact Virginia Tech Police Detective Daniel Hardy at 540-231-9686.

As a residential learning coordinator, Walton would have been responsible for overseeing and managing a residence hall community and helping students transition to college. This appointment would have also included supervision of paraprofessional staff and serving as a liaison to academic and faculty partners as well as other colleagues in the Division of Student Affairs. 

In May, Walton completed the requirements for a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Kansas. He received his bachelor’s degree in social work/human service from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 

“Donvontae had an impact on his Virginia Tech colleagues in a short amount of time,” said Eleanor Finger, director of housing and residence life. “He was an exceptional person who exuded commitment to student learning, care for staff, and student development.” 

"Starting his career in higher education at our university was an incredible point of pride for Donvontae and his family," said Finger.