Waynesburg University Student Found Dead In Dorm Room

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Waynesburg Police remain tight-lipped about the specifics of how an 18-year-old was found dead inside of her dorm room at Ray Hall on the campus of Waynesburg University.

Those who knew Claribeth de la Cruz say she was a freshman and a member of the Waynesburg University track team.

"She was just the most outgoing person always the happiest person really happy to be around everybody at all times," Jonathan Hager said.

The Greene County Coroner said the 18-year- old is not from the area. Waynesburg Police started investigating the young woman's death after Campus Police notified them Sunday.

Police said it's an open investigation and can't comment on specifics.  However, they said students on campus should not feel threatened.  Waynesburg Police Chief Robert Toth said this is a rare situation.

"It doesn't happen that often here in Waynesburg, but all the bases are being covered and it's going to be investigated thoroughly," Chief Toth said.

The university released a statement Monday morning saying:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with this student's family and friends.  On behalf of Waynesburg University, we would like to express our deepest sympathies. An investigation into the cause of death is ongoing and the university will release information as it is made available."

Students say they're eager to find out just how Claribeth de la Cruz died.

"I really want to know. Nobody's told us anything. This is a Christian university, it should be held up in good name and it's nobody's fault that this happened. It's just a tragedy," Michelle Frye said.

Waynesburg Police said an autopsy will be performed Monday.

They say they'll release the cause of death after it's finished.

Students at Waynesburg University are taking to Twitter to remember her as well.

Stay with KDKA for more information.

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