A fourth-year student at UR’s Medical School was found dead in her off-campus apartment Sunday at around 6 p.m. by the Rochester Police Department, according to Director of UR Security Walter Mauldin. Mauldin said that the student died of natural causes.
Associate Vice President of Public Relations Robert Kraus declined to release the student’s name.
The student’s brother was concerned that he had not heard from her recently and called UR to locate another possible phone number.When the student did not answer her phone, the R.P.D. checked her apartment.
“We don’t have any details yet,” Vice President and General Secretary Paul Burgett said. “The death of any student in the university is a source of great sadness. The university extends its sympathy and condolences to family, friends and loved ones,” he added.
Freshman Ruchi Shukla commented on the student’s death. “It’s really sad. It hit me so suddenly,” she said. “It’s weird to see someone who’s your own age to die of natural causes.”
Junior Jessica Marcin-kevage agreed. “Of course it’s really tragic,” she said. “When something tragic happens, most schools usually try to raise awareness and offer condolences.”
“You go that far in your academic career and then this happens and it’s kind of a waste,” freshman Crystal Hoffman said.
Additional reporting by Chadwick Schnee and Robyn Tanner.Yunis can be reached at tyunis@campustimes.org.