By KATIE HURST/ Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO — Montevallo police discovered the dead body of a male University of Montevallo student at approximately 6 a.m. Oct. 27 in Orr Park, according to a university representative.

The student has been identified as Allen Matthew Barber, 19, of Daphne, said UM director of public relations Cynthia Shackelford. Barber was pronounced dead on the scene and appears to have died from a gunshot wound.

Montevallo police are still investigating the case. Shackelford said the officer she spoke with said it appeared to be a suicide, but the police can’t tell for sure until they complete a forensic investigation.

Barber was a mass communications major at the university and performed in the chamber choir. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made. Shackelford said university counseling services are open for students, faculty and staff.

“This is a small campus,” she said. “It’s like a family, it affects everyone.”

Check back with the Shelby County Reporter for more information when it becomes available.