MU professor dies while on trip in Thailand

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

University of Missouri adjunct professor and faculty member Wayne McDaniel died on Friday while on a school trip in Thailand.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, and we’re doing anything we can to support them during this very difficult time," said university spokesman Christian Basi. "Wayne is a longtime employee of the university, and he was known by many faculty and staff. He’ll be missed."

McDaniel's cause of death was unknown on Saturday, Basi said.

There were 15 students and two other MU faculty members on the trip as well. The students and other faculty members will continue their trip, Basi said.

McDaniel was the associate director of the Office of Technology Management and Industry Relations. He also taught a course as an adjunct engineering professor at MU.

"Wayne performed research in cardiac electrical stimulation for more than 30 years and studied Tasers and other Electronic Control Devices before they were released to the public," Basi said.