Earlier this month, we reported on the untimely death of Jonathan Lumpkin, 25, who was a first-year student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law. He’d started his studies at the school in 2015, but had just returned from a leave of absence. Lumpkin was found dead in his on-campus apartment in mid-January, and he was the second Penn Law student to die this academic year.
At the time the school reported the sad news to his classmates, the cause of Lumpkin’s death was unknown. A few weeks have passed, and the Medical Examiner’s Office has now issued its official ruling. The Philadelphia Inquirer has the details:
A spokesman for the Medical Examiner’s Office said the death was caused by a drug overdose and the manner of death was accidental. The drug or drugs involved in the death were not disclosed.
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Lumpkin’s obituary also mentions that he died of a drug overdose, and that he’d been able to find solace — and sobriety — in the past with the support of his friends.
If you are a law student with alcohol and/or drug use or abuse issues and you’ve realized that you need help, there are many places you can turn to that will welcome you with open arms. Most law schools have counseling and psychological services resources that students and graduates can turn to if they are in crisis or would like counseling, even after hours. If these services are not available at your school, and if you or someone you know is in need help, call the lawyer assistance program in your state (don’t be fooled by the name; these programs also provide services to law students). Please don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Alcohol and drug use disorders are treatable, and recovery from addiction is possible — even during law school.
We here at Above the Law continue to extend our condolences to Jonathan Lumpkin’s family, friends, and colleagues during this extremely difficult time.
Penn law student’s death ruled accidental overdose [Philadelphia Inquirer]
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Earlier: Ivy League Law School Suffers Second Student Death This Academic Year
Staci Zaretsky has been an editor at Above the Law since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.