Cornell University has issued a statement on the death of William Ruoff, whose body was found in Fall Creek on Tuesday.

According to the university, Ruoff grew up in Ithaca with his father, Arthur Louis Ruoff, who was a professor in the department of materials science and engineering at Cornell.

His son, William, was a member of the Class of ’77, having graduated from the College of Arts And Sciences.

“On behalf of the entire university community, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Ruoff family and friends,” university officials said. “I ask all of you to keep William and his family in your thoughts as we acknowledge this unfortunate loss to our extended Cornell family.”

Here’s the full statement:

May 15, 2015

Dear Cornellians,

It is with deep sadness that I share news of the death of William Ruoff, a member of the Class of ’77 in the College of Arts and Sciences, and a member of a family with many ties to Cornell. William died suddenly on Tuesday, May 12, in Ithaca.

William grew up in Ithaca while his father, Arthur Louis Ruoff, was a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell. While at Cornell, William was a member of the Big Red varsity wrestling team. He graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1978. Two of William’s four brothers are also Cornell graduates, and his son, Eric, will graduate this year from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His daughter, Anna-Marie, is a veterinary student in California.

On behalf of the entire university community, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Ruoff family and friends. I ask all of you to keep William and his family in your thoughts as we acknowledge this unfortunate loss to our extended Cornell family.

Sincerely,

Charles D. Phlegar
Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development

Jim Mazza
Associate Vice President for Alumni Affairs

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