Norman Police Department is investigating the death of OU student and rugby player Joe Pal following a supposed altercation.
In an email to OU Daily on Monday, NPD public information officer Sarah Schettler wrote officers responded to a parking lot in the 300 block of East Boyd Street, just down the road from Campus Corner, around 4 a.m. on March 2. Police identified Pal, who appeared to have been involved in a physical altercation.
Pal was found unconscious with severe brain trauma.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of Pal’s injury and the nature of the altercation. Individuals believed to be involved have been identified and contacted by investigators, and all are cooperating with the investigation.
NPD has made no arrests related to the incident, according to Schettler.
OU rugby confirmed Pal’s death in an Instagram post last Friday. The post read that Pal will be remembered as a beloved teammate, friend and member of the rugby community.
“Joe, your passion, strength and spirit will never be forgotten,” OU rugby wrote in the caption. “Sending our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones during this time.”
Pal’s family invited friends and family to say their goodbyes in an Instagram post over the weekend. Loved ones flooded the comments with memories and stories of Pal, proving his positive impact on everyone he met.
“The first time I met Joe I instantly knew I’d made a friend,” one commenter wrote. “Every time I was around him he was the life of party, smiling hard, saying something funny, and having a good time.”
Prior to his death, members of the rugby team put together a GoFundMe to help Pal’s family with medical expenses. So far, the team has raised over $24,000.
“He always had such a positive mindset to everything,” another commenter wrote. “Such a great soul and true friend.”
Pal’s family said in the post his organs would be donated to those in need. Pal was taken on an honor walk to the operating room Friday evening surrounded by friends and family.
This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure and Ismael Lele. Gretchen Schultz and Avery Avery copy edited this story.
