Prosecutor: Rutgers student’s death may be alcohol-related

NEW BRUNSWICK (AP) — Prosecutors say a Rutgers University student has died after she "became distressed" while attending a small gathering at a fraternity house.

A preliminary investigation determined that the death of 19-year-old Caitlyn Kovacs may be alcohol-related. But the cause of death has not yet been determined.

Middlesex County prosecutors say the South Brunswick resident was sophomore at the university. Rutgers President Robert Barchi offered the school's condolences in a message to students on Sunday morning according to NJ.com. "We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Caitlyn Kovacs, a sophomore at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, majoring in animal sciences. Her passing over the weekend is a tragic loss to her family, her friends, and the entire Rutgers community."

They said Kovacs was at the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity house in New Brunswick when she appeared to be in distress around 3 a.m. Sunday. Some friends took her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

Hospital officials notified police about the death, which is under investigation by the prosecutor's office and the Rutgers and New Brunswick police departments.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Death of Rutgers student, 19, under investigation / NJ.com
• Rutgers Student's Death May Be Alcohol-Related, Authorities Said / North Brunswick Patch

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