Sophomore dies from meningitis

University candlelight vigil commemorates Anne Ryan

by Rebecca Kaplan | Monday, September 10, 2007 at 1:00 am

A group of about 250 students and faculty host a candlelight vigil in memory of College sophomore Anne Ryan, who passed away yesterday. Friends stood on the porch of her house and tearfully shared stories about her. (Toby Hicks)

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College sophomore Anne Ryan died early yesterday morning of meningitis after being hospitalized on Saturday afternoon, University officials announced yesterday.

It is still unclear how Ryan, 19, contracted meningococcal meningitis, a bacteria infection that affects part of the brain.

The disease can only be transmitted through direct contact with someone who has it or is a carrier of it.

As of yesterday, no other cases had been reported - Ryan's roommates and close friends have been given precautionary treatment - though any secondary cases would likely have been identified within 24 to 48 hours, Student Health Services Director Evelyn Wiener said.

"The University community is deeply saddened by this sudden and tragic loss of a promising young life," the University said in a statement yesterday afternoon. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Anne's family, friends and classmates."

Although all students who live in on-campus housing are required to be vaccinated for meningococcal meningitis at least once - nearly all undergraduates live on campus their freshman year - one particular strain, type B, is not always prevented by vaccination.

SHS will not deny testing to individuals who think they may be at risk.

Last night, about 200 to 250 students gathered outside the stoop of Ryan's Pine Street apartment, which was decorated with a collage of pictures to commemorate and celebrate her life.

The crowd of students and adults, candles in hand, stood listening to soft music occasionally punctuated by quiet tears.

But eventually the tears gave way to smiles and laughter as Ryan's best friend, College sophomore Deslie Hamersky, and other close friends told stories that portrayed Ryan as a warm and fun-loving girl.

Hamersky also invited students to sign a memory book for Ryan's parents and donate to a memorial fund in her honor.

Around campus, Ryan was known for her modeling in The Walk, the student fashion magazine, and DZine 2 Show, a student-run fashion show.

"The first thing that most people noticed is that she's just strikingly beautiful," said one College sophomore - granted anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter - who lived near Ryan in Hill house during their freshman year. "She didn't know how attractive she was."

He described her as a "genuine" and "incredibly nice person" who was "all about laughing at herself."

University Chaplain William Gipson is working with other campus officials to reach out and provide support to the entire University community.

Gipson and Ryan's family are working on a more formal memorial service, which some students have requested.

No date has been set for that service or for Ryan's official funeral.

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