W&M Senior Dead in Apparent Suicide

By Mike Crump, of the W&M Flat Hat Friday, February 19, 2010

The body of College of William and Mary senior Dominique Chandler was found this morning at the Africana House in Pleasants Hall.

In an e-mail sent to students, Vice President of Student Affairs Virginia Ambler ’88 Ph.D ’06 said that Chandler’s death was an apparent suicide.

“After a faculty member contacted the Dean of Students Office this morning expressing concern about Dominique, the William and Mary Police were dispatched to her residence hall room where she was found,” Ambler said.

Ambler said that Chandler’s family had been notified of her death.

Police, fire and rescue crews arrived at the Randolph Complex dorm this morning around 10:40.

William and Mary Police declined to comment, as it is still an on-going investigation.

Chandler transferred to the College from Norfolk State University in 2008, and was majoring in psychology.

Ambler said that counselors will be available to students throughout the day and in the coming weeks for grief counseling.

“The Counseling Center will also be open throughout the day and until 7 p.m. this evening to anyone who would find talking to a counselor helpful,” Ambler said. “Additionally, the Residence Life staff, Dean of Students Office, campus ministers, and my office are available on a priority basis for those who need us.”

Counselors are available 24-hours and can be reached through William and Mary Police at 757-221-4596.

“In the face of such a terrible loss, it is important that we all take the time to reach out to each other, listen to each other, and offer strength and comfort where we can,” Ambler said. Dominique’s death reminds us of how close we are to one another at William and Mary. What affects one of us affects us all.”