GWU Student's Death in January Was Due to Alcohol Poisoning, Coroner Says

A George Washington University sophomore who was found dead in her dorm room in January died of acute alcohol intoxication, according to the office of the chief medical examiner.

Laura Treanor, 19, of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., was found dead in her bed after a night out with friends. A roommate tried to wake her and realized that she was unconscious, then called 911.

Treanor was a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority and an editor at the Hatchet, a student newspaper at GW, which first reported the cause of death yesterday.

A memorial service for Treanor in January drew hundreds of students, with friends describing her kindness and writing talent. A Mass was held for her at the Newman Catholic Center, where Treanor had been a lector who helped with services.

"She always had a smile on her face," said Brittany Verga, a junior and one of Treanor's roommates, "and she could talk to anybody."

"The circumstances of her death were tragic," said GW spokeswoman Tracy Schario. "We're deeply saddened because the loss of a young life, regardless of circumstances, is extremely unfortunate, and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and her friends."

"What the medical examiner's report does do is bring closure to the situation," she added. "While the initial report cited 'natural causes,' it did make everyone wonder, 'Why did a 19-year-old die so young?' Now we know."

Verga said she did not want to comment on whether friends had been concerned about Treanor's drinking, but said, "I was definitely shocked about the news today."