The Phi Delta Theta fraternity held a memorial service Wednesday night for Davis Cook, a former student who died Sunday.
Chance Robinson had been friends with Cook since the summer before their freshman year. The two met at summer school but became closer when they pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity in 2014.
Robinson said Cook was the type of person who could connect with anyone.
The Phi Delta Theta fraternity house mourns the loss of member Davis Cook by putting black ribbons in front of the house. Photo by Billy Schuerman
“If he knew you liked music, he would talk to you about music. If he knew you liked sports, he would talk to you about sports,” Robinson said. “He always knew how to find a common interest with someone. He wanted everyone around him to be happy.”
Robinson and a bunch of friends were with Cook minutes before his death.
“It was Super Bowl Sunday. We were grilling and watching football at our friends’ house in Oxford,” Robinson said. “I found Davis there. I was a few minutes too late. I told everyone to leave, and we called OPD.”
Dean of Students Melinda Sutton Noss said that although Cook was not currently enrolled at the time of his death, the university wants to offer its support to those grieving during this time and make sure community members are aware of the resources available to them on campus.
“Anytime we lose someone in our community, whether they’re currently enrolled or recently enrolled, our hearts and thoughts go out to those individuals,” Noss said. “We want to make sure that those on our campus who knew Davis and were affected by his passing know that help is available.”
As of Thursday afternoon, Cook’s death was still under investigation.
Cook’s mother posted on her Facebook page that Cook’s family was sponsoring a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in his honor. At the time of publication, the fundraiser had raised more than $21,000.
