Professor's death confirmed; investigation continues
Chadron State College faculty, staff and students have been saddened this week by the confirmed death of one of their professors, Dr. Steven Haataja, who began teaching at CSC in August 2006 and had been missing since late last year.
Haataja’s body was found last Friday southeast of Chadron after having been missing since Dec. 4, 2006. Authorities announced Wednesday that homicide has not been ruled out as yet, and that they are treating the investigation with “an abundance of caution.”
“We have been following the news reports closely and will cooperate fully with the investigation to help investigators come to a conclusion in this case,” said Chadron State President Dr. Janie Park. “Our thoughts are with Dr. Haataja’s family and friends who have been through so much during this difficult time.”
Park is encouraging college personnel to make use of the college’s counseling services, if needed.
“We have very capable counselors and I hope Chadron State employees and students who are distressed by these occurrences will put in a call to them,” she said.
The telephone number of the counseling service, which is located in Crites Hall, is (308) 432-6461.
Authorities are asking anyone with information that may be helpful to the investigation to contact the Crimestoppers hotline by phone, (308) 432-0519, or by e-mail, dawescountycrimestoppers@hotmail.com.
Category: Campus News, Obituaries