Body found in Naismith Hall identified

Student had formerly attended Deerfield, West Junior High

An empty stretcher is brought out of Naismith Hall as Lawrence Douglas County Fire & Medical respond to a report of a man found dead at Naismith Hall Friday morning. No foul play is suspected.

Lawrence ? The body found in Naismith Hall early Friday morning has been identified as Aezra Sky DuttonHurt, an 18-year-old Lawrence boy, according to Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

DuttonHurt was a Free State High School senior. He previously attended Deerfield School and West Junior High School.

A police spokeswoman said Friday that foul play is not suspected in the boy’s death. DuttonHurt’s father, Lance DuttonHurt, stated the cause of death is undetermined and pending an investigation.

Through an e-mail, Lance DuttonHurt wrote that his son’s passion was music. Involved in choral music since junior high, DuttonHurt was a member of the Free State High School Chamber Singers.

He had aspirations to attend Kansas University and pursue a career in music education.

“He had a kind, gentle soul. We will miss the music he shared with us, all the music unshared,” his father wrote.

Jeff Jasperson was a classmate and longtime friend who had known DuttonHurt since the first grade.

Jasperson described DuttonHurt as a “very fun guy to be around,” and a talented singer.

He made state choir for two straight years, he said.

“He was a fun, kind-hearted guy who was fun to be around and always made everybody laugh,” Jasperson said. “I loved hanging out with him.”

Lawrence school district has activated its crisis support team to provide counseling to DuttonHurt’s schoolmates.

“We’re deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the DuttonHurt family,” said Superintendent Randy Weseman. “The district is prepared to provide additional support to the Free State school community during this difficult time.”

Kansas University also is making counselors available to students because of the number of students who live in Naismith Hall and its proximity to campus. Naismith Hall is a private, off-campus residence hall and not part of KU’s Department of Student Housing.

Monday evening visitation for DuttonHurt is pending and will be announced by Warren-McElwain Mortuary.