Averett University professor Dr David Hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during Orlando conference

  • Averett University’s David Hanbury, 37, was found dead somewhere in Orlando Sunday, investigators confirmed – without saying where he was discovered
  • Orlando cops added that a cause of death for the psychology professor had yet to be determined, before stating that his death ‘does not appear suspicious’
  • University brass said Hanbury had been attending the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference when he suddenly went missing

A Virginia college professor has been found dead days after attending a psychology convention in Orlando.

Averett University’s David Hanbury, 37, was found deceased somewhere in the city Sunday, investigators confirmed – without saying where his body was discovered.

The Orlando Police Department added that a cause of death for the psychology professor had yet to be determined, before stating that his death, at the moment, ‘does not appear suspicious’.

In a statement to the private school’s Facebook page, university brass said Hanbury had been attending the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference when he went missing.

Last seen Friday evening, his disappearance sparked a statewide search that culminated with the discovery sometime Sunday. He had served as an associate professor and co-chair of Averett’s psychology department, and is in the midst of being mourned by faculty and staff.

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

Averett University’s David Hanbury, 37, was found deceased somewhere in Orlando Sunday, investigators confirmed – without saying where he was discovered

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

Hanbury is seen posing for what appears to be his last photos, with fellow eventgoers at the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference Friday. He would disappear later that day

‘It is with a heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking update of the passing of Dr. David Hanbury,’ a statement from the school in Danville, Virginia, read.

‘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.’

Hanbury’s brother, JJ Hanbury, added in a statement to social media: ‘Unfortunately we learned this afternoon that he is no longer with us.

‘We’re all struggling and this is so hard. I’ve never seen through anything like this.

‘I don’t know what I am going to do without my youngest brother that drove me insane all the time but my world will never be the same without him.

‘He was only 37 and supposed to be with me for life.’

The professor’s parents also broke their silence with a statement after OPD’s update,  in which his dad thanked onlookers for their support during what turned out to be a nearly two-daylong search.

‘Sally and I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers and support during our search for our missing son, David,’ wrote Jack Hanbury in a post to Facebook.

‘Sadly we learned that he has passed away. We are heartbroken at the loss of our youngest son. God never created a kinder, sweeter person. Maybe that is why he was called.’

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

Haney worked as an associate professor and co-chair of the Virginia private school’s psychology department, starting back in 2015

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

Hanbury’s brother, JJ Hanbury, added some insight in a statement to social media, revealing his brother had only been 37 years old

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

Less than a day earlier, he pleaded for onlookers to help find his brother, revealing he had been last seen at a local bar and was ‘not a partier’

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

The professor’s parents also broke their silence with a statement after OPD’s update, in which his father Jack thanked onlookers for support during a nearly two-daylong search

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

Posts went on to reveal how Hanbury missed a scheduled speech Saturday at the conference, raising alarms amongst those who knew him

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

Pictured: The Orlando Miller’s Ale House where Hanbury was last seen Friday evening

Less than a day earlier, JJ – who on Monday lamented the fact that he did not get to tell his older brother that he loved him before he passed – pleaded with onlookers for help finding the Kentucky native.

In a post to Facebook, he described how Hanbury had been last seen at a local Miller Ale House before disappearing – while sharing an eerie last photo of the professor posing with fellow eventgoers at the event.

‘My little brother, David Hanbury, has been missing for over 24 hours,’ he wrote at the time. ‘His phone has been going straight to voicemail.

‘He normally calls my mom multiple times a day and she hasn’t heard from him. He’s not a partier.’

The post went on to reveal how Hanbury missed a scheduled speech Saturday at the conference, raising alarms amongst those who knew him.

‘He was staying at the Double Tree on 5780 Major Blvd,’ he wrote.

‘Last seen at the Miller Ale House (3/15), next door around 7PM. Thie[sic] first picture below was from yesterday and what he was wearing.’

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

In addition to his role as associate professor and psychology department co-chair, Hanbury also worked as chair for the school’s physical and psychological health sciences division

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

He had served as an associate professor and co-chair of Averett’s psychology department, and is in the midst of being mourned by faculty and staff

averett university professor dr david hanbury, 37, is found dead after going missing during orlando conference

Other family members expressed more of the same, as investigators continue to vet what led to the associate professor’s death

Other family members expressed more of the same, as investigators continue to vet what led to the associate professor’s death.

A campus vigil is slated for 6pm, where faculty and students will say a joint prayer for the man who also had served as an athletic mentor for the school’s men’s soccer team.

The beloved scholar joined the school back in 2015, following a stint at Wake Forest University after graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2011.

In addition to his role as associate professor and psychology department co-chair, he also worked as chair for the school’s physical and psychological health sciences division.

In a statement sent to USA Today Monday morning, The Orlando Police Department said his death ‘does not appear suspicious at this time’.

The department did not immediately respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment, but reps earlier said that their investigation remains ongoing.

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