ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Grand Valley State University issued a statement Thursday saying the death of student Taylor DeRosa last year was accidental.
According to the certificate of death for DeRosa, the 18-year-old died from hypothermia and exposure to the cold.
The Medical Examiner's Office also noted on the certificate that DeRosa had a high amount of alcohol in her system when she died.
RELATED: Officials ID GVSU student found dead over weekend
Grand Valley Police Chief Brandon DeHaan reinforced his earlier statement that there was never – and is not now – any safety risk to the campus associated with DeRosa’s death.
A jogger discovered Taylor’s body near the intramural fields on the Allendale Campus just before 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 12, 2020.
“Taylor’s death is a terrible tragedy for her family and all those close to her,” GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said. “We are a caring community and our hearts go out to all who knew and loved Taylor. Our routines during COVID have put physical space between us, but we should work to stay emotionally connected, especially as we grieve the loss of a promising young woman who was part of our campus community.”
