Baptist professor found dead in men's club while attending Orlando conference
The cause of death is unknown with investigations ongoing, but foul play is not suspected.
David Hanbury, 37, a psychology professor at Averett University, a Baptist university in Danville, Va., was found dead March 16 at Club Orlando, a popular sauna and bathhouse for men in Orlando, Fla., according to media reports.
The cause of death is unknown with investigations ongoing, but foul play is not suspected. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office said it may take around 90 days to confirm the cause of death through blood work and toxicology tests.
He was in Orlando attending the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference at the DoubleTree by Universal Studios, and was last seen on the evening of March 15, police said. At the time, police considered Hanbury a missing person.
Hanbury joined the Averett faculty eight years ago. He was an associate professor and co-chair of the Psychology Department and also served as the chair for the Division of Physical and Psychological Health Sciences.
The circumstances surrounding Hanbury’s death have sparked discussion on the university's stance on the issue of sexual orientation and gender.
Averett University has a policy of nondiscrimination, including sexual orientation and gender identity, and hosts a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) student group. In October of 2023, an LGBTQ+ Awareness Month Celebration was held on campus featuring a local Drag Queen Troupe.
In 2005, the Baptist General Association of Virginia dissolved its ties with Averett after the university abandoned Baptist positions on homosexuality. However, in November 2012 the Baptist General Association of Virginia voted to restore the association's relationship with Averett University.
Sources: fox35orlando.com, washingtonblade.com, insidehighered.com, baptistpress.com