AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn University students and administrators reacted with shock on Wednesday to the murder of freshman Lauren Burk, 18, who was shot to death off campus on Tuesday night.
Classes weren't disrupted Wednesday, but news of the crime rocked the campus community, which has a student body of 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
"We are so saddened by this situation, words simply aren't adequate," Auburn University President Jay Gogue said in a statement on the university's Web site. "This is a close-knit community that rarely experiences such a tragedy, so our heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to those in Lauren's community in Marietta, and especially to her family."
In a statement, the Delta Gamma sorority, where Burk had been pledged, has offered support to Burk’s family and friends.
“Delta Gammas across the country offer hope and friendship to Lauren’s family and all who have been affected by this tragedy,” the sorority said.
Auburn University sent alerts by voicemail, text message and e-mail to tell students about the situation and direct them to the university's Web site for more information. Rumors of additional incidents Wednesday on campus were unfounded, the university said, but police have been present throughout the day.
“There are increased patrols on our campus," university spokesman Mike Clardy told FOX News. "There's no indication that there's any additional danger to student safety, but our City of Auburn police, they're taking all the necessary precautions.”
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