9 student deaths since August shakes USC campus

The death of nine students since classes began a little more than two months ago has left students and administrators at the University Southern California shaken and seeking answers.

The Los Angeles Times reports the latest death was discovered Monday when the body of a 27-year-old student was found in an off-campus apartment.

The first occurred in August when an incoming freshman was struck by a car on a freeway.

Monday's death occurred shortly after administrators sent letters to students and parents telling them of the earlier fatalities.

Administrators say three deaths were the result of suicide. The causes of the other deaths are either unknown or haven't been disclosed.

Administrators say they sent the letters to be transparent and to let students know there are resources available to those struggling emotionally.