Student dies Friday of natural causes
By Samantha McDaniel and Tim Deters/Student Governance Editor and Managing Editor
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| Nick Allen |
Allen, who was a sophomore pre-business management major, was found at the foot of his bed and pronounced dead at 11:53 a.m. Friday, Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers said.
The cause of death has not been determined but was not suspicious, Schniers said.
Schniers said Allen had a history of epilepsy.
While it is unknown whether epilepsy was a contributing factor to Allen’s death, Schniers said it is the most likely cause of death at this time.
A toxicology report has been ordered and will take six to eight weeks to return results.
Allen was vice president of membership development for Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, vice president for public relations of the Interfraternity Council, a student senator and chairman of the University Enhancement Committee, and recently organized the annual Safety Walk to identify and address areas of safety concern on and off campus. Allen also served as Billy the Panther for the 2012-13 season.
Derek Collinsworth, the president of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, was a close friend of Allen and said he had a strong, respectable character.
“He was a very hard-working individual and always put others before himself,” Collinsworth said.
The death of Allen has hit many Sig Eps hard, Collinsworth said, but the outpouring of support from the Greek and Eastern communities as a whole has been reassuring and comforting.
Student Senate Speaker Mitch Gurick said Allen was a strong voice across multiple organizations in the campus community.
