Sgt. Brandon Shearer, an officer of the Salt Lake City Police Department, was quoted by Salt Lake Tribune newspaper as saying that police received reports of a man with a gunshot wound to the head and at least "one person is confirmed deceased”.

The university, located in Salt Lake City, issued an alert to students about 8:30 p.m. (0230 GMT Tuesday), saying "Shots fired. Red Butte Canyon. Shelter in Place."

About half an hour later, the university tweeted: "CAMPUS ALERT: Suspect male, white adult. Black clothing, beanie with cross, tear-drop tatoo on face."

Authorities are still searching for the suspect, with heavy police presence at the university, Xinhua news agency reported.