Rutgers University Student Dead After Frat House Party

A sophomore student has died after being taken to a hospital for apparent distress.

19-year-old Caitlyn Kovacs was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at around 3:00 am by friends after she "appeared to be in distress" Sunday morning, reported CBS News. The Rutgers student was at the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity house for a party.

Kovacs was later pronounced dead at 3:19 am. According to USA Today, "police began the investigation after hospital officials called at 3:28 a.m. to alert them to the student's death."

NY Daily News said that the initial findings point to a possible alcohol-related death, citing authorities. However, the Middlesex County Medical Examiner's Office is yet to perform an autopsy to find out Kovacs' official cause of death.

Delta Kappa Epsilon, the fraternity which Kovacs belongs to, has issued an official statement regarding its member's death. The statement, by Delta Kappa Epsilon International Executive Director Doug Lanpher, reads:

"On behalf of the International Fraternity of Delta Kappa Epsilon and the Brothers of our chapter at Rutgers University, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Caitlyn Kovacs.

"We also wish to extend our sympathies to the students of Rutgers University as they endure this time of grief and misfortune. As the investigation of the incident is ongoing, Delta Kappa Epsilon is fully cooperating with local and county authorities."

Rutgers President Robert Barchi also released a statement, as quoted by USA Today:

"Her passing over the weekend is a tragic loss to her family, her friends, and the entire Rutgers community. Francis and I join all of you in offering our thoughts and prayers to Caitlyn's family, and our support to those who knew Caitlyn best and who, today, are suffering the most."

The University Chancellor, Richard L. Edwards said that the entire Rutgers community shares the sorrow of Kovacs' family, relatives and friends "at this sudden and tragic loss", reported CBS News.

Edwards also broke the news that another Rutgers student, Darsh Partel, also passed away on the same weekend. "Darsh was killed in a bear attack yesterday while hiking with friends in a wooded area of Passaic County," he said in the statement.

With the death of its two students, Rutgers University is offering counseling services for anyone in need. "Counselors [are] available from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. at the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs' conference room on the fourth floor of the College Avenue Student Center" in the university, said CBS News. They can also call for counseling at 848-932-7884.