Here is a round-up of coverage on the death of Rye High School 2013 graduate Marisa Curlen.
“She is the third member of Rye High School’s Class of 2013 to die.
Michael Rath, 19, a student at at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, was found dead in January at his apartment on campus. Peter Collins, 18, a student at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, was found unresponsive at his Rye home in July and died later in a hospital.
“We can’t believe it,” said Michael Galdino, a 2014 Rye graduate who knew all three students. “It’s crazy.”
He works at Rye Beach Pharmacy, where Curlen also worked during high school and when she was home from college.”
“Curlen, 20, was found dead early Friday in her dormitory room at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. An autopsy was pending Friday night, but the cause appeared to be alcohol poisoning.
Curlen was a bright-eyed athlete — a volleyball player. The very notion that she would die in such a fashion in her sophomore year — and within months of the deaths of two other classmates who succumbed to drug overdoses – had some Rye residents taking serious stock.
“Sadly, the reason it’s not shocking is, this is not the only town of affluent people with children that are privileged that has a drug and alcohol problem,” said Rye resident Ellen Kaplan.
At Curlen’s family home a short distance from Rye Playland, no one was in a mood to speak Friday night. A family friend said Curlen’s mother was struck silent with grief.”
“The JMU [James Madison University] Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life sent an email to fraternity and sorority presidents Friday night that confirmed the passing of a member of Alpha Phi, and asked for “support for the women of Alpha Phi as they mourn, and privacy during their time of grief.” The email also stated that they’re working to provide every possible resource to the women of Alpha Phi.
Sarah Lundberg, the president of Alpha Phi, released a statement to The Breeze Saturday night:
The Theta Iota chapter of Alpha Phi International Fraternity is deeply saddened by the loss of our sister, Marisa Curlen. Marisa was a dedicated member of our organization, offering her time and talent to our philanthropy week, service activities and sisterhood events. She was a sister who exemplified our values of sisterhood and loyalty. Together, the sisters of Alpha Phi celebrate her life, and sincerely appreciate the care and support of the FSL and JMU communities.”
–Read the rest at The Breeze (James Madison University news)
