Third-year law student found dead, heroin present
By: Staff Report
The University of Dayton community mourns the loss of third-year law student Matthew Corning, 27, who was found dead in his University Place apartment at 1200 Brown St. Saturday afternoon.
Police were called to the scene early Saturday afternoon and discovered Corning deceased upon their arrival, according to the Dayton Police Department report. UD Public Safety also responded to the call.
A neighbor tried to visit Corning Friday night, but was unsuccessful. The neighbor returned Saturday and received no answer again, prompting a building maintenance worker to check the apartment for Corning, according to the report.
A “large amount of heroin” was found near the deceased as well as spoons with heroin residue scattered throughout the apartment, according to the report. Several needles were found “all over” the kitchen, bathroom and dining area, according to the report. According to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, a cause of death has not yet been determined and police are still investigating the incident.
A memorial service for Corning was held Wednesday at Long Grove Community Church in Long Grove, Ill., according to his obituary.
Corning is remembered as an avid basketball and Cubs fan, according to his obituary.
Paul McGreal, dean of the UD law school, said a situation like this often brings a community together.
“Since we are so small, we have a closer knowledge about each other,” McGreal said. “The university has been so supportive and sense of the Marianist community was definitely felt during our prayer service. Although we are a small unit, we are strongly connected.”
The UD law community gathered Monday to celebrate Corning’s life, he said.
Lori Shaw, a UD law professor, said Corning was a student who always appeared eager to learn.
“Matthew was a terrific young man,” Shaw said in an email to Flyer News. “Bright and engaging, he entered every class with a smile. He tried with all his might to make his dreams come true. I think his wish would be that his law school friends live their dreams and know that they carry him with them. When they win their first case or draft their first contract, Matt will be there celebrating with them.”
Corning’s family was not available for comment at the time of publication, and requested privacy. The family has requested donations be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in lieu of flowers, according to the obituary. Donations can be made at www.fca.org/donate.