Death at Texas 'Occupy' Camp Suspected to be Drug-Related

DENTON, Texas – Police on Sunday identified a man found dead in a tent at the "Occupy Denton" protest campsite on the grounds of the University of North Texas (UNT).

Darwin Cox, 23, died at around 4:30 p.m. local time Saturday, according to a police press release.

University and city police found his body at the eight-tent encampment after someone contacted authorities between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, UNT spokesman Buddy Price told KNTU Radio.

His cause of death has not yet been determined, pending toxicology results.

An "Occupy Denton" press release described him as "a fellow occupier, a kind and idealistic young man and a friend" whose "lifelong struggle with drug addiction" was suspected to be a factor in his death

Protest organizers said he was homeless when he joined the "Occupy" movement last month.

Cox's body was taken from the camp by a Denton County coroner about 8:30pm, the North Texas Daily reported.

"Occupy Denton" spokesman Garrett Graham said the campsite was voluntarily dismantled after Cox's death, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

Protesters still planned to hold a vigil Monday evening for Cox to "mourn his loss and commemorate his life."