OU Professor Found Dead After Heat Stroke Complications

An OU professor was found dead inside his Norman apartment and authorities believe it is because of complications he suffered due to a heat stroke.

The students and staff at the Gaylord College of Journalism fondly remembered Dr. Owen Kulemeka after colleagues made the sad discovery Tuesday.

Kulemeka, who was 38 years old, was said to be in good health before his sudden death. His colleagues said they only became worried when Kulemeka did not return phone calls or messages on social media for several days. When they arrived to his apartment they found he had passed away.

His death has left several grieving.

"He was always someone who encouraged you to live up to your fullest potential," said Kaneisha Lloyd

Lloyd was Kulemeka's student and eventually became his colleague -- and says she's still learning from him.

"It makes you think, tomorrow is not promised and we have to do a better job of caring for each other and caring for ourselves," she said.

The Gaylord College of Journalism put out a notice to students past and present.

"I was just devastated to hear because he was such a lively and wonderful presence every day," said Dr. David Craig, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at the Gaylord College of Journalism.

While everyone is grieving, they are also taking the opportunity to learn more about heat-related illnesses. EMSA paramedics explained once a person has a heat stroke, then they are more susceptible to heat-related problems.

"It's important to pay attention to amount of time spent in the heat," Colin Roy of EMSA said. "Once you start to get to a point of exhaustion and once you start to get to a point where you are no longer sweating those are very serious signs where a heat stroke is imminent."

Lloyd says its one final lesson Kulemeka is giving everyone.

"I think there is a lot to learn that this could happen to anyone," said Lloyd.

Officials have not released Kulemeka's exact cause of death. Memorial services are pending.