Kinara Patel, an 18-year-old sophomore at the Villanova University was pronounced dead Thursday after being found unresponsive by a fellow student in her residence hall earlier in the day, around 10:00 a.m. Patel, a business school student lived on campus.
Radnor Police Lt. Andy Block said that an investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of her death.
Patel, who died sometime in the night, was last seen Wednesday night returning to campus with friends. Police said that the North Jersey native was hanging out the night before in Bryn Mawr with friends.
"At this time we can report that there were no signs of foul play and the investigation is ongoing," said Block.
"We lost one of our students today," said Liz Kennedy Walsh, assistant vice president of communications at the university. "While any death is heartbreaking to lose someone this young is devastating. As we wait to learn more, the most important thing we can do is gather our community together and offer our prayers."
Fr. John Stack, vice president of Student Life said that there were no indications of any foul play.
"We all extend our deepest sympathy to Kinara's family and friends on this heartfelt loss," said Stack. "We ask that you keep Kinara and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"Very tragic and very sudden and especially since it was on campus, it hits a lot closer to home. We're all just in shock, and of course, are thinking and praying for her friends and family," said Senior Alexandra Wallace.
