The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Student found dead at Hill Hall
Results from autopsy unable to determine cause of death
By Kathleen Conat, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: December 21, 2006
An autopsy conducted on the body of an Eastern Michigan University student, found dead in her room at Hill Hall last Friday, could not determine the cause of death, according to Cindy Hall, Director of Public Safety for the university. Further tests and evaluations will be conducted by the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner's office.
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The body of 22-year-old Laura Dickinson was found in her room on the fifth floor of the residential hall on Friday, Dec. 15, at about 3:30 p.m. Her death is believed to have occurred on Wednesday, December 13, as she was last seen late on Tuesday, December 12.
An investigation into the death is being conducted by the EMU Department of Public Safety, with assistance by the Michigan State Police and the Washtenaw County Major Crimes Task Force.
"This is a death investigation. We, the EMU police, asked for the Michigan State Police crime lab to process the scene," said Hall. "This is standard protocol when you can't determine the cause of death. EMU police are working with the Michigan State Police and the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department."
According to Rebecca Figura, Director of University Housing, Hill Hall is a residence for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Each resident has a private room and shares a bathroom with one suitemate. There are 20 rooms per floor.
Figura said the time of final exams, which have just finished at the university, is something students take seriously. "It's a time when students pull back so they can focus on their studies," she said.
"Some people prefer to study in groups and some prefer to be solitary. Students are independent and respect each other's preferences."
Figura said although there is a resident advisor on every other floor, bed checks are not conducted and students have their own keys to the building. "These are young people who hold jobs and have classes. They value their independence," Figura said.
Dickinson, who came from Hastings, a small town between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids on the west side of the state, was ending her first semester at EMU. She had joined the women's novice varsity rowing team.
Dickinson entered EMU as an upper classman, having graduated from Hasting High School in 2002. She received an associate's degree from Grand Rapids Community College in 2005.
Funeral services were to be held Thursday, December 21, at the Thornapple Valley Church in Hastings.
Kathleen Conat is a long-time Ypsilanti resident and freelance writer for the Courier. She can be reached through editor@ypsilanticourier.com.
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