Richard L. Walker Jr., DVM, Ph.D., a professor at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, was found dead on Dec. 1 on a beach in Bodega Bay, Calif. The Sonoma County coroner’s office is investigating his death. Police reports indicated that Dr. Walker, 56, committed suicide. Walker was last seen at his campus office Nov. 30 and was reported missing by his family about 1 a.m. on Dec. 1. A preliminary investigation uncovered correspondence left for family members suggesting that Walker was possibly depressed and suicidal. He was a professor of clinical diagnostic bacteriology and a member of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists and the American Assn. of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. Funeral arrangements have not been announced. <HOME>
