Hampton University student drowns on campus

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - A 17-year-old Hampton University student drowned during a pool party on campus.

Yuri Rodgers Milligan with Hampton University said David Esan drowned at Holland Hall. Paramedics and lifeguards attempted to revive him at the scene before he was transported to Sentara CarePlex Hospital.

"They said he was looking for someone's earring and they said he went down and never came back up," freshman Malik Mills said. "Some football players helped him out the water."

He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Esan was a freshman pharmacy major from Randallstown, Md. and previously graduated from the Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in Baltimore.

Esan was a member of the choir and lived at Harkness Hall. Milligan said he was recognized as one of Harkness Hall’s 16 Men of Excellence.

"He was a very friendly guy," freshman Mark Murphy said. "Every time I saw, him he was helping somebody with homework or giving advice... just a real warm guy."

Counselors are available on campus. Hampton University Police are investigating the incident.