Virginia university professor found dead after being reported missing at Florida conference

A professor from a Virginia university that was reported missing while at a conference in Orlando, Florida has been found dead.

Averett University, a private Baptist university located in Danville, Virginia, confirmed the death of David Hanbury on Facebook Sunday. The university said it received confirmation of his death from his family Sunday afternoon.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking update of the passing of Dr. David Hanbury," the university's statement reads. "On behalf of the entire Averett community, we send our condolences and prayers of support to Dr. Hanbury's family, friends and all others upon whom he had a lasting impact."

According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded to 450 East Compton Street on Saturday, March 16 in reference to an unattended death call.

When officers arrived at the location, a men's club called Club Orlando, staff took them to the body, which was identified as Hanbury.

Orlando Police told USA TODAY a cause of death has not been determined, but that Hanbury's death "does not appear suspicious at this time." Police said the investigation is active and ongoing.

Hanbury was attending the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference in Orlando and was last seen on the evening of Friday, March 15, the university said.

Averett said in the statement Hanbury joined its faculty more than eight years ago and was serving as an associate professor and co-chair of the psychology department, while also serving as the chair for the division of physical and psychological health sciences.

Averett University President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks said in a statement the university is inviting the campus and surrounding community to "join together for a time of prayer and support" on Monday.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].