IU student Hannah Wilson, 22, was found dead in Brown County Friday, according to a release from the Indiana State Police. The Fishers, Ind. native was a psychology major and a senior in Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
During an investigation, detectives arrested Daniel E. Messel (below), 49, of Bloomington, who is being held on a preliminary charge of murder. The investigation is continuing.
An autopsy took place Saturday morning. According to reports, Brown County Coroner Earl Piper ruled the death as a homicide, and the cause is blunt force trauma to the head.
Photo via Sgt. Curt Durnill of ISP.
"The entire IU Bloomington community mourns the tragic death of Hannah Wilson," said Mark Land, a spokesperson for IU. "Our deepest sympathies go out to Hannah's family and friends during this unspeakably sad time."
In a release from Gamma Phi Beta headquarters, International President Krista Davis expressed her sympathy.
"The entire Gamma Phi Beta family mourns the tragic loss of Hannah," Davis said. "She was a sister, friend and cherished member who will be genuinely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hannah's friends, family and the women of Beta Phi chapter."
Indiana University's President McRobbie commented,
"Hannah Wilson was a beloved daughter, sister, and granddaughter. She was a cherished and treasured friend to her sorority sisters and many others here in Bloomington, at her home in Fishers, and around the country.
Her loss disorders the moral universe and breaks the heart of our community. We join with all of Indiana University in sending our deepest and most profound sympathy to her family. Our thoughts are also with the many IU students, staff, and faculty who loved and taught Hannah, and who join in mourning her.
Hannah was a gifted student, who two weeks from now would have been graduating with a bachelor's degree in psychology, which she hoped to use in service to others. She brought great light to our community, and her strong and continuing impact is clear from the outpouring of grief during the past few days.
Our campus has joined together to honor her memory in gatherings, large and small, since the moment of the tragic news of her death. Our deep bonds as a community are evident in the many ways we have determined to honor Hannah by showing each other strong support and kindness in the wake of this horrible loss."
This story will be updated.