A 20-year-old sorority sister died in South Carolina after collapsing while drinking at a fraternity event, authorities said.
Caroline Smith, a Furman University student, complained she felt sick late Friday moments before she fell unconscious at a Kappa Alpha event on Hilton Head Island, the Island Packet reported.
Her boyfriend called for help then performed CPR until authorities arrived, according to a police report.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures on Smith for several minutes before pronouncing her dead, officials said.
Smith’s older brother, who was at the party, told authorities he wasn’t aware of any medical issues that may have contributed to her death.
Revelers said the Kappa Delta sorority member didn’t use drugs the night she died according to Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
An autopsy was ordered Monday to determine the cause of death, officials said.
“The Sheriff’s Office is investigating circumstances surrounding her death and whether alcohol was obtained by underage persons,” Maj. Bob Bromage told the newspaper.
The Kappa Alpha event was held the night before the frat’s spring formal, which was canceled in the wake of Smith’s death, according to school officials.
“Kappa Alpha Order and the members of the Furman Chapter are devastated by the heartbreaking loss of Caroline Smith,” the organization’s national office said in an email to the Island Packet. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, which includes several KA’s, friends and Kappa Delta sorority sisters.”