Caitlyn Kovacs Dies After Frat House Visit: Student’s Death Alcohol-Related?

Caitlyn Kovacs died suddenly after visiting a frat house over the weekend. The Rutgers University student’s cause of death is under investigation and police believe Caitlyn may have passed away from alcohol distress.

Kovacs, 19, was at the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity house in the early morning hours of Sunday when she suddenly lost consciousness. She was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Jersey soon thereafter.

Sadly, Caitlyn Kovacs died near half-past three in the morning, which was less than 30 minutes after she was first observed to be in a state of distress.

Andrew Carey, New Jersey prosecutor charged with investigating the Rutgers student’s death, has not filed charges at this time, nor is there mention of foul play. His office is awaiting the results of the autopsy and toxicology tests before making a final ruling on the woman’s death. Nonetheless, early reports from medical staff at the hospital suggest alcohol played a factor.

Police investigators have already interviewed a number of witnesses who were present at the time Caitlyn experienced difficulty maintaining consciousness, according to a NYDaily News report.

DKE International Executive Director Doug Laphner joined the local fraternity chapter in extending condolences to the family and friends of Caitlyn Kovacs. He released a statement shortly after the Rutgers student died.

“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.”

Kovacs was enrolled in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University. She was pursuing a degree in animal sciences. At the time of the distress that led to her death she was among a small group of people at the fraternity house.

Fellow students described Caitlyn Kovacs as someone who was ambitious and full of energy. One such friend, Melissa Mielko, who attended high school with her, recalled fond memories of her friend.

“She was always laughing and making others laugh and smile as well. She was a good kid with a good head on her shoulders.”

Aaron Laserna, 19, another high school buddy, spoke about how Kovacs was at the forefront of events and planning at high school. He recalled her warmth.

“She had a lot of energy and always had a smile on her face. She was always happy and fun to be around. I can’t believe she’s gone.”

With a recent string of injuries and deaths — typically due to hazing at college Rush events — police are likely looking into what role alcohol and other possible illicit substances were involved in how Caitlyn Kovacs died after visiting the frat house.

Officials said grief counselors are available to anyone close to the fallen student.

[Image via: Facebook via NYDailyNews]