Ky. students remember slain Carmel teen

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WISH) - About a hundred people paid tribute Tuesday night to the Camel teen that went missing from Louisville, Ky.-based Sullivan University nearly two weeks ago.

Tuesday morning, Louisville Police said the man he met online confessed to having sex with him and dumping his body.

Although Andrew Compton had only been a student at Sullivan University for a month, he made many friends. Tuesday night some of them remembered him not for the way he died, but the person he was.

Outside Gardiner Point Residence Hall in Louisville, Sullivan University students and staff gathered to remember 18-year-old Andrew Compton. His family also attended. They showed up with candles; some even shed tears for a fellow son, brother and friend.
“Words will not express the loss when you’re put in a situation where no one wants to be,” said Sullivan University Chancellor A.J. Sullivan.

Compton was a freshman, culinary student at the private university and lived at Gardiner Point Residence Hall. It’s the same place where he was last seen alive. Tuesday morning, many at the university learned he won’t be coming back.

“I want you all to remember him as a great person,” said Compton’s friend Jenae.

On Oct. 28, Compton was last seen leaving his dorm room. Surveillance video showed him walking out of the building before 9 p.m. News of Compton’s tragic death has shaken the private university.

“I went out with his family and helped pass out flyers and try to keep things updated and kept trying to be optimistic. Andrew was an amazing person and an awesome friend,” Jenae said.

As “Amazing Grace” played in the background, they all lifted their candles in the air. They said goodbye to a short life lived, a dear friend gone.

“We want to thank everyone for all of their thoughts, prayers and support in this very difficult time. We hope and pray Andrew will be found soon,” said Shane Vance, Andrew’s cousin.

Sullivan University’s chancellor said addressing the students tonight about the death of Andrew Compton was one of the hardest things he’s had to do. He told the students life is precious and when they head home for Thanksgiving break, hold on to their parents and be thankful.