No findings yet in death of UW student in dorm
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Investigators have not determined the cause of death of a University of Washington student whose body was found in her dorm room Monday night.
But there were no indications of foul play or suicide, said UW police Capt. Randy Stegmeier.
Lauren Elizabeth Keen, a 21-year-old international studies major, told friends she was feeling ill Sunday night. Stegmeier said the symptoms appeared to be typical of a cold or the flu.
"She was chilled and just not feeling well," he said.
Her friends grew concerned the next day when she didn't answer her door in Hansee Hall, where she lived in a single room on the third floor.
"They went so far as to take the screen off the window of a neighboring room to attempt to peer into hers," Stegmeier said. "They became concerned that something was terribly wrong, so they called us."
Officers arrived about 7 p.m. and finally forced open the dead-bolted door.
Police were withholding further details until the King County Medical Examiner's Office could complete toxicology reports, which could take several days.
Stegmeier said the only medication found in the room was over-the-counter cold capsules, which did not appear to be taken in an unusual or excessive dose.
"She just seemed to be a healthy person," Stegmeier said.
Counselors were to meet with Hansee Hall residents last night.
"We have a floor that has experienced a real tragedy," said Paul Brown, UW housing and food services director, "and we want to make sure those young people are OK."
Keen was raised in Hansville on the Olympic Peninsula near Port Ludlow. She is survived by her mother and father, Robert and Linda Keen, of Hansville, and a 22-year-old brother.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Hansville Community Center.
Ray Rivera's phone number is 206-464-2926. His e-mail address is: rayrivera@seattletimes.com.