West Chester University professor found dead in Ohio

The body of a West Chester University math professor who had been missing since last month in Ohio was identified Tuesday by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to the university and news reports.

Tom Short, who had worked at the university for about two years, was found Dec. 2 by Cleveland Metroparks Rangers at the Acacia Reservation, a 155-acre green space in metropolitan Cleveland, according to Fox 8 in Ohio.

Authorities did not release a cause of death. Short had traveled to Ohio to have Thanksgiving dinner with family but did not show up, according to Patch. He had previously worked at John Carroll University in Ohio before taking the West Chester job.

The university issued a statement to the community Tuesday afternoon.

“Our hearts are heavy with the tragic news of the death of Dr. Tom Short,” said R. Lorraine Bernotsky, executive vice president and provost. “Dr. Short’s untimely passing is a great loss for our community.”