Reporting the Truth.
Restoring the Church.

By Mark A. Kellner

Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia. (Photo courtesy of tmu.edu)

A male student at Truett McConnell University (TMU) was found dead Sunday at a residence in the school’s Twin Springs Apartments.

His death prompted an investigation by Cleveland, Georgia, police and the White County coroner.

Cleveland police responded about 5:18 p.m. on Sept. 20, after receiving a 911 call about an unresponsive person, according to the NOW Georgia news website. Officers found the deceased student inside the residence.

In an email Tuesday to Roys Report (RR), TMU marketing and communications director Brandi Wood said a police report indicated the student was found at a residence on Twin Springs Court. “That is the private road name within campus,” Wood said. “The housing unit is Cleveland Courts.”

The school’s website states, “Cleveland Courts accommodate 98 men, in suite-style living. Each six-person suite consists of two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs and one bedroom with a bathroom and common area downstairs.”Truett McConnell University campus in Cleveland, Georgia. (Photo courtesy of Facebook/TMU)

TMU has not released further details about his death.

RR contacted Cleveland police for additional information and received a news release from Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker confirming the details Wood provided.

The student’s body was transported by the coroner to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory. Chief Shoemaker, in the statement, said police do not suspect foul play.

Authorities have not released the student’s identity. TMU, a Southern Baptist-affiliated school, confirmed the death in a statement posted on Facebook.

“With heavy hearts, we confirm the death of a TMU student yesterday on campus. Our community is heartbroken, and our prayers are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all who are grieving,” the university stated.

TMU said it supports the student’s family and intends to protect its privacy while authorities investigate.

“Out of respect for them, we are not releasing the student’s name or additional details at this time,” the statement said. “We are working with authorities and will share additional information as appropriate and with the family’s wishes in mind.”

The university also urged students and others to avoid speculating about the death.

“Because this is an active investigation, we ask that everyone refrain from speculation and from sharing unverified information, out of respect for the family and those who are grieving,” TMU stated.

The school said it is offering counseling, pastoral care and other assistance to students, faculty and staff affected by the death.

“We are grateful for the prayers and kindness of our neighbors, alumni, and friends, and we ask that you keep the family and our campus in your prayers,” TMU added.

The statement concluded by quoting Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

The student’s death comes as TMU navigates turmoil that has engulfed the university’s leadership in recent years.Former Truett McConnell University President Emir Caner speaks at the commencement ceremony on the TMU campus in Cleveland, Georgia. (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

Trustees fired longtime president Emir Caner in September 2025 after allegations arose that he covered up sexual abuse accusations against former academic vice president Bradley Reynolds for at least six years.

RR previously reported allegations by former student and employee Hayle Swinson that Reynolds sexually abused her while she was a student. Swinson later discussed her allegations against Reynolds and Caner in a 2025 RR podcast interview.

Reynolds resigned from TMU in 2024 while local police were investigating. He was indicted in December 2025 on felony charges of lying to police.

Prosecutors said the statute of limitations had expired for charging Reynolds over the alleged sexual assault. The allegations against him have also generated related litigation and ongoing scrutiny of how TMU handles abuse claims.

TMU named Larry Lyon as president in February, and he took over April 1. Lyon previously served as senior vice president for business administration at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Mark A. Kellner is a reporter based in Mesquite, Nevada. He most recently covered statewide elections for the New York Post and was for three years the Faith & Family Reporter for The Washington Times. Mark is a graduate of the University of the Cumberlands and also attended Boston University’s College of Communication.

SHARE THIS: