Autopsy Results in for Loras College Student Found Dead

By Michelle Long, Producer

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By Michelle Long

Story Created: Mar 4, 2008 at 11:13 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 5, 2008 at 11:10 AM CST

DUBUQUE - A preliminary autopsy report says a Loras College student died from bacterial meningitis.

On Sunday night, Loras security guards found Audrey Fitzgerald, 19, dead in her dorm room.

The state medical examiner performed the autopsy and ruled her death was of natural causes from bacterial meningitis.

College officials say they are contacting other people who may have been exposed to the contagious disease.

The Dubuque Visiting Nurses Association, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Loras College student health office are investigating the case.

Funeral arrangements are pending with the White Funeral Home in Independence, Iowa for Fitzgerald. A press conference will offer more information sometime on Wednesday with Loras College officials.

For more information about bacterial meningitis, visit the Centers for Disease Control web site at www.cdc.gov.

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