LSUPD found a doctoral candidate in communication studies dead Dec. 6 in the Black Box Theater in Coates Hall.
Jonathan Birdnow, 28, was practicing for a performance in which his character survived a hanging, according to The Baton Rouge Advocate.
East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office spokesman Don Moreau said after a five-day investigation the death was ruled accidental.
Coroner Louis Cataldie said Birdnow’s script for the performance indicated he believed he could hang for 10 minutes without losing consciousness.
Moreau said there was a second rope beside Birdnow that he could use to pull himself up and relive pressure on his neck.
Birdnow earned a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in debate and worked at Clemson University before LSU. While at LSU, Birdnow coached an undergraduate debate team.
Birdnow was buried Dec. 10 in his hometown near Montgomery, Ala.