The Northwest Missouri State University community is mourning the loss of a student who was found dead Sunday.

The student, Allison Abitz, was pursuing her educational specialist degree through Northwest Online and was a teacher at Bush Elementary School in Fulton, Missouri.

Abitz and her daughter were found dead at their home in Boone County, Missouri. The Boone County Sheriff's Department is investigating. 

Northwest encourages students needing counseling assistance or referrals to contact Wellness Services at 660.562.1348, or contact University Police at 660.562.1254 outside of regular business hours. Faculty and staff should call the University employee assistance program at 800.964.3577. A county counseling support line also is available to all members of the Northwest community at 888.279.8188.