Updated Sept. 19, 2:15 p.m.
A University freshman student was found dead in Cypress Hall on Tuesday afternoon. Student Government will host a vigil for the student tonight at 8 p.m. in the Greek Amphitheater.
According to WBRZ, the student was identified as 18-year-old Marakah Dennis. LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard later confirmed the identity of the student.
In light of this tragic event, University students came together to have a community vigil in her honor Tuesday night.
Many students, including mechanical engineering freshman Garrick Francis II, who went to high school with the student who died, heard about the prayer circle through social media.
In wake of the tragic news on campus this afternoon, we will be having a prayer circle at 8:30 outside of Cypress Hall. For we know the power of prayer works. Continue to pray for the family and friends of our fellow peer. #ForeverLSU
— TJ Polk (@polk_tj) September 17, 2019
“It’s a great tribute to her,” Francis said. “I think it’s something that she would want, to see people come together.”
Freshman Teejay Polk organized the vigil outside of Cypress Hall to spread love and the gospel on Tuesday night. While he didn’t personally know the deceased, he wanted to do something that acknowledged the tragedy.
“It wasn’t about the number of people that come out. It was simply that I wanted people to know [and] encounter Jesus,” Polk said. “Even though people may be heartbroken or saddened by this issue, we serve a God who loves us, who gives us peace and understanding. That was my only goal for tonight.”
Student Government president William Jewell mourned with the University, saying the freshman student just started her academic career.
“Anytime you hear about a student death, those are the hardest days,” Jewell said. “It’s really tough.”
In regards to students attending the vigil on such short notice, Polk said it showed that everyone was “Forever LSU.”
“What happened tonight truly shows we’re all together. We’re all here to support each other. That’s what’s important,” Polk said.
LSU President F. King Alexander released a statement on Wednesday concerning the three University students who have died during the last several days, including the student who died in Cypress Hall on Tuesday.
“I am heartbroken by these awful events, and our entire campus community is mourning their passing,” Alexander said in a statement. “While the situations were unrelated, the collective loss means a great deal to our institution. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these students, and our hearts go out to them as they grieve.”
Alexander urged students that need assistance coping with these tragedies or other medical, emotional or academic issues to ask a faculty or staff member for assistance.
The cause of death is unknown at this time, and the body was released to the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office, according to LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard.
LSUPD is investigating the cause of death.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
