INITIAL AUTOPSY

Fremont student’s cause of death still unclear to officials

7/24/2014

LORAIN, Ohio — An initial autopsy on the body of Cory Barron, a 22-year-old from Fremont who went missing Friday, could not determine his cause of death, an official at the Lorain County Coroner’s Office said Wednesday.

The coroner’s office sent blood and tissue samples to their lab for a full toxicology report, which could take at least 15 days.

Mr. Barron was last seen Friday at a country music concert at Progressive Field in Cleveland. His body was found Tuesday in the county landfill in Oberlin.

Police said they were focusing their investigation around Progressive Field, but were waiting for a full medical examiner’s report.

Mr. Barron’s sister, Britta, expressed her grief and thanked the community for its support in a message posted on Facebook on Wednesday.

“The support, dedication, and love that has been shown to Cory and the rest of our family over the past few days has been beyond incredible, and my family will be forever thankful,” she wrote. “All of your efforts, thoughts, prayers, and kind words mean more to my family and I than I could ever express in words.”

Mr. Barron attended Bowling Green State University and participated in BGSU’s commencement ceremonies in May. BGSU sent an email Wednesday to students, faculty, and staff mourning his death.

“I know this is a difficult time for many of you,” Vice President for Student Affairs Jill Carr wrote. “Counselors are available to help the community cope with the loss.”

The email said the BGSU counseling center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and students can reach counselors at 419-372-2081.

A vigil will be held at 8:30 p.m. today at Fremont Ross High School, from which Mr. Barron graduated. Guests are encouraged to wear purple and white Fremont Ross apparel.

— Stephen Gruber-Miller