Student passed away due to bacterial meningitis

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Dr. Eric Clark is the Medical Director of the MTSU Student Health Services.

Updated at 5:30 p.m.:

According to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, health officials have deemed the house Jacob Nunley resided in on Greek Row to be safe. All members of the house have been vaccinated.

“We offer our deepest thoughts and sympathies to Nunley’s family and friends. In addition, staff and local alumni leaders will work with university officials to provide guidance and support to our chapter members at Middle Tennessee State University during this difficult time,” SAE officials said in a released statement.

Students walk into Health Services for their meningitis antibiotic. Photo by Matt Masters.

4:03 p.m.

The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating the death of freshman student Jacob Nunley, who passed away just after 8 a.m. today at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, MTSU officials confirmed.

Nunley was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis at Vanderbilt.

Nunley was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and was living in the house on Greek Row. According to several students on Twitter, Nunley was participating in a Greek celebration known as Alphagammaroo before being taken to Vanderbilt.

“Mouth and nose fluids in close contact are a vehicle for bacterial meningitis to spread,” said Tom Talbot, chief hospital epidemiologist at Vanderbilt Medical Center.

Talbot said there is no indication that alcohol consumption can make the disease more severe, and the only possible connection to drinking is through sharing cups.

Those who have had recent contact with Nunley are encouraged to go to Student Health Services in the Recreation Center for a free, 500-milligram dose of the Ciprofloxacin antibiotic pill.

Nunley hailed from Dyersburg, Tenn., and had not declared a major.

Please continue to check mtsusidelines.com for more updates.