David Hanbury, 37, an esteemed associate psychology professor at Averett University in Danville, Virginia, was discovered dead in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, March 16, 2024, following a missing person report.
Hanbury, highly regarded within the Averett community for his contributions to the field of psychology, had been in Orlando to attend the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference, situated near Universal Studios.
The Orlando Police Department revealed that it responded to a report of an unattended death at Club Orlando, a private men’s club in the heart of the city, which is where Hanbury’s body was found. While the exact cause and location of Hanbury’s death remain undisclosed, the police have indicated that the circumstances surrounding the death do not seem suspicious. The case remains open pending the coroner’s report from the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office.
David’s brother, JJ Hanbury, shared online that his brother was not known for being a party-goer. Concern arose when David failed to call their mother, which was a part of his daily routine, and when JJ tried to contact him, his calls were directed to voice mail. Furthermore, David’s absence from a scheduled conference speech raised alarms among his colleagues.
Averett University, a private Baptist academic institution, announced Hanbury’s demise in a statement from President Tiffany Franks. The statement recognized Hanbury’s significant influence since he joined the faculty in 2015. Hanbury served as the co-chair of the psychology department and the chair of the Division of Physical and Psychological Health Sciences. His noteworthy work earned him the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year award for 2022-2023.
In honor of Hanbury’s enduring influence, Averett University has organized a vigil as an opportunity for faculty, students, and the local community to reflect on his significant contributions. President Franks underscored the shared grief within the Averett community and the supportive network available during this challenging period.
The ongoing investigation into Hanbury’s death by the Orlando Police Department seeks to shed light on the circumstances of his passing, ensuring a comprehensive and transparent process. Hanbury’s body of work at Averett University leaves a remarkable legacy that extends beyond the academic community, recognized for his expertise, mentorship, and kindness. His untimely death has brought the Averett University community together in mourning and remembrance.
