Meningitis Suspected In Local College Student's Death

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Authorities say the death of a student at a Philadelphia university's sorority house is being investigated as a suspected case of meningitis.

Drexel University officials said Stephanie Ross, of Pittsburgh, was found unresponsive Monday by housemates at the Phi Mu (Beta Tau) sorority house.

Spokeswoman Niki Gianakaris said Ross was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

She said the cause of death hasn't yet been determined, but the university is treating it as a suspected case of meningitis and is working with the city health department.

Prophylactic antibiotics are being made available through the University's Student Health Center for those who had close contact with Ross.

The university said Ross, a sophomore, was majoring in mechanical engineering.

Ross was also a class of 2012 graduate of Upper St. Clair High School.

Superintendent Patrick O'Toole released a statement Tuesday, saying in part, "Stephanie was an outstanding young woman who exemplified the values we have for students at Upper St. Clair in terms of academics, extra-curricular activities and community involvement."

In the statement, one of Ross' former high school teachers also remembered her.

"Stephanie was the kind of student you will never forget," Kevin Coffman said. "She had such a passion for life. I never saw her without a smile on her face."

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