St. Thomas Community Mourning Death Of 19-Year-Old Student

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- A native of Andover, Minn., Katie Mullen was in the prime of her life when it ended far too soon.

On Friday morning, the University of St. Thomas sophomore student was found unresponsive in her bed.

St. Paul Police tell WCCO-TV they have no reason to believe drugs or alcohol were factors in her death and call it "not suspicious."

Now, faith leaders on campus will help those who knew Katie mourn and heal.

"Tomorrow morning, I will be with one of our counselors in several of her classes to speak with students and her professors there as well," said Father Lawrence Blake, chaplain and director of Campus Ministry.

Counseling and Psychological Services and the Center for Campus Ministry are also available for students, faculty and staff who desire additional grief support.

Katie was a dean's list student who worked in Academic Counseling and Support at St. Thomas.  Her family provided the following written statement to WCCO-TV.

"There are no words to express the depth of our sadness at the loss of our precious Katie. For 19 years, Katie brought tremendous joy and laughter to our lives and to the lives of others who were fortunate to have known and loved her. Please continue to keep Katie in your thoughts and prayers."

An official cause of death will be determined by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office. As of Sunday evening, that information has not been released.

A memorial mass for Katie at the St. Thomas campus chapel is in the works.