Utah State University – College of Eastern Utah head basketball coach Brad Barton was found dead in his apartment at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.
Price City Police Chief Aleck Shilaos said one of Barton’s friends found the body and immediately called police. Shilaos did not release the friend’s name.
The cause of death was unknown.
“We found [Barton] passed away, and there wasn’t anything that would indicate there was any criminal problem,” Shilaos said. “The event is under investigation, primarily with the medical examiners office in Salt Lake City. There was no evidence of foul play.”
USU Eastern athletic director Dave Paur said Barton went home before Tuesday’s practice, which was unusual for the coach.
Shilaos said it could take weeks for toxicology reports to be released to Price City Police.
USU Eastern officials canceled Wednesday classes, and Chancellor Joe Peterson hosted a grief session for students, faculty and staff in the ballroom at the Jennifer Leavitt Student Center at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
“Our hearts are full of sorrow,” Peterson said. “Our hearts go out to all of Coach Barton’s family, and we express a deep commiseration at this time for their loss.”
The ballroom was overflowing with people as Peterson and others spoke.
ETV 10 News staff will update the situation as more information becomes available.