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Christopher Thomas, 21-years-old, died on Saturday, March 15 of medical causes.

MOBILE, Alabama -- The email bearing the grim news didn't take long to bring shock across the campus of the University of South Alabama. Christopher Elan Thomas, a friend, fraternity brother and colleague was dead in a dorm room.

The 21-year-old sophomore was found unresponsive in the Gamma 5 residence hall at the university. Thomas, who studied political science, did not live on campus, university spokesman Bob Lowry said.

“One of the people that was with him made the decision to contact the university police,” Lowry said.

Shortly after 7 a.m., officers arrived.

Attempts to resuscitate Thomas by officials from the university’s police department and the Mobile Fire-Rescue were unsuccessful. The cause of death has not yet been released by police. Foul play is not suspected.

Thomas, who was from Dothan, served in many roles at USA. He was a member of the fraternity Phi Kappa Sigma, as well as vice-president of Jaguar Productions, a large student activity organization.

An article in Due South, a student magazine, said he was also treasurer for the Debate Society and president of the College Republicans on campus.

Thomas was highly regarded in classrooms and as a volunteer on campaign trails. His friends often said that they thought he could become governor, or even president, one day.

"He was a wonderful person with limitless potential," former Jaguar Productions member Patrick Herring said. "I am in shock."

But his activity went beyond the campus grounds.

Several members of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, Christopher Thomas on the far right, Blake Tims on the far left. Thomas will be remembered for his leadership in the fraternity and the kindness he offered, according to his brothers. (courtesy)

Thomas hopped onto the Sandy Stimpson for mayor campaign about halfway through, doing every job from “data entry to working the phones,” said Chad Tucker, president of Strateco, who was the campaign consultant.

“He was a guy who was always the first to work and the last to leave, just a super sharp kid,” Tucker said. “He clearly had a natural instinct for politics on a campaign. We had around 1,000 people who were volunteers, so he was someone who definitely stood out.”

Afterward he served as Quin Hillyer’s campus coordinator during his run for Alabama’s First Congressional District seat.

"Christopher was a wonderful young man. My heart goes out to all his loved ones," Hillyer said.

Grief ripped through Phi Kappa Sigma brotherhood on Saturday as well.

"Christopher was an awesome friend, mentor, and most importantly, brother. Such a sad day, but I'm thankful to God that I was lucky enough to have known such an inspirational person," said fraternity brother Blake Tims.

Thomas served as philanthropy chair and dedicated himself to every activity that Phi Kappa Sigma was involved in.

Student Government President Riley Davis took to Facebook to offer her condolences.

"It's true when they say the good ones die too young," she wrote. "You have made such a difference in so many people's lives and you will be missed so much."

In addition to being a star student and a student leader, Thomas loved watching the television show Scandal on Thursday nights and chatting with friends during episodes.

Reporter Michael Finch II contributed to this story.