University of Limerick student dies after 'tragic accident'

Gardaí are investigating the death of a University of Limerick student who died following a “tragic accident” this week. 

The UL president Prof Des Fitzgerald informed students via e-mail that 19-year-old woman Sophie Coll died after a “tragic accident” on Monday. 

It is understood that the incident occurred off-campus. 

In an e-mail, Prof Fitzgerald said: “It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the sudden death of UL student Sophie Coll, 2nd year BBS International as a result of a tragic accident on Monday, 25th September.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sophie’s parents Rory ad Carol, her sisters Stephanie and Abbie, her friends, her housemates and fellow students. Ar dheis Dé go raibh h-anam dílis.”

Ms Coll was taken to the intensive care unit at University Hospital Limerick, where she was pronounced dead.

A spokesperson for the gardaí told the Limerick Leader this Thursday afternoon: "Gardaí are investigating the sudden death of a woman, 19 which occurred on the 26th September 2017 in University Hospital Limerick. A file will be prepared for the coroner."

A spokesperson for the university said on Thursday afternoon: "On behalf of the UL community of staff and students, the President of the University of Limerick, Dr Des Fitzgerald, has expressed his sadness at the sudden passing of UL Student Sophie Coll this week.

"UL is currently supporting Sophie’s friends and housemates with chaplaincy and counselling services."

No funeral arrangements have been announced yet.