Photo: Simpson College
The President of Simpson College has died.
The college announced that 54-year-old Jay Byers was found inside Sigler House, also known as the President's house, on Thursday shortly before noon after a welfare check at the residence.
Indianola Police say they don't believe a criminal act caused the death of President Byers.
Before becoming President at Simpson, Byers served as President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
You can read the statement from Simpson College below:
To our campus community:
We have sad news to share with you: This morning, Simpson College President Jay Byers had missed some meetings, which was very unusual. Shortly before noon, a wellness check was performed at the president’s residence, Sigler House, where he was found deceased.
This is stunning and devastating news.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to share our heartfelt condolences to the many people who knew and loved President Byers, including his family, friends and Simpson family. President Byers was also an alumnus, graduating in 1993.
All classes at Simpson will be cancelled tomorrow and grief counselors will be available for our students and staff.
We are working closely with local officials as they investigate the matter.
We are stunned and we will be grieving. Next week we will come together to share additional details about how we move forward.
Until then, please join me in keeping President Byers’s family and close friends in our thoughts as they navigate this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Terry Handley
Board Chair
Simpson College Board of Trustees