Story Published: May 2, 2009 at 9:59 PM PST
Story Updated: May 2, 2009 at 10:06 PM PST
According to a news release from Pullman Police, the victim was identified as Stuart John Robertson, a WSU student who was majoring in viticulture/enology. Robertson was formerly from Bend, Oregon. His parents are now residing in College Place, Wash.
Police were notified around 5:30 a.m. of an apparent unconscious person found along the highway. Officers investigated and determined the male was deceased and initially believed that the man may have been a victim of a possible pedestrian-vehicle accident.
The Washington State Patrol from Spokane assisted with that part of the investigation.
Officers interviewed a number of witnesses who were with the victim at a 21 party at the Chinook Village Apartments Friday night. The witnesses said alcohol was consumed at the party and they saw Robertson leave the apartments around midnight.
Officers believe that Robertson ended his walk near the cliffs area, which was close to the apartment building, He apparently fell about 40 feet to his death.
The Whitman County Coroner’s office, along with the WSU Police Department, assisted with the investigation. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. That should be scheduled at the first of the week.
A UI student recently died of alcohol poisoning after a night of drinking in Moscow.
