TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Authorities are investigating the death of a University of Alabama employee who was found unresponsive Monday morning in the Pinehurst neighborhood. Police confirmed the victim as Rimon Garcia, who was discovered shortly after 9 a.m. on Pinehurst Drive.
According to the Tuscaloosa Police Department and University of Alabama Police, officers responded to a medical call at a residence in the neighborhood. When they arrived, they located Garcia, who had reportedly been operating lawn equipment prior to the incident. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences requested assistance from the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), which routinely becomes involved in cases where a death occurs outside the presence of medical personnel. Investigators said there were no immediate signs of foul play but stressed that standard procedures require further review before a final determination is made.
Capt. Jack Kennedy of the VCU explained in a statement that the unit’s involvement was precautionary. “In suspected non-criminal cases such as this, VCU does not normally issue statements in order to safeguard the privacy of the deceased and their families,” Kennedy said. “An exception was made here due to the large social media presence and public interest connected to the individual’s affiliation with the university.”
The University of Alabama community has been shaken by Garcia’s sudden passing. While no additional personal details about Garcia have been released, officials noted that his role at the university contributed to the heightened attention surrounding the case. Investigators emphasized that nothing currently indicates criminal activity, though the official cause of death will be determined following a forensic examination.
The investigation remains active, but law enforcement reiterated that foul play is not suspected. Authorities have not announced when further information will be made public. For now, the focus remains on respecting Garcia’s family and colleagues as they process the loss. The Tuscaloosa Police Department, University Police, and VCU are expected to release updates if new findings emerge, though officials stressed that privacy remains a priority in non-criminal cases of this nature.