EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- A University of Oregon student is dead from what Lane County health officials believe is a case of bacterial meningitis. Spokeswoman Julie Brown confirmed the death with NewsSource 16, saying a student died the evening of
Friday, May 11, 2012.
Brown stated University policy does not allow release of the identity of the victim. However, the University of Oregon’s student newspaper, The Oregon Daily Emerald, has identified the student at 21-year-old Lill Pagenstecher. Pagenstecher was a member of the Chi Omega sorority at the university.
Through the sorority’s official Twitter account, a Tweet was sent out on Saturday, May 12, 2012, that read: “Sisters are forever. Thank you everyone for your support. Rest in peace beautiful Lill - your smile and laughter is already missed.”
A Facebook page matching a U of O student named Lill Pagenstecher is also filled with remembrance notes from friends.
Saturday, several members of the Chi Omega house were seen leaving the building as a closure notice was posted on the front door. The University of Oregon reported it is now working with Lane County public health officials prevent others from contracting the disease.
Brown told NewsSource 16 on Saturday several people at the sorority have received preventative medicine in the day following the death. Brown says the U of O estimates around two dozen people had contact with the victim.
Meningitis symptoms include a fever, headache and neck pain. If not treated early, the disease can lead to permanent disability or death. One in five of those who survive may suffer from long-term side effects including brain damage, hearing loss, seizures and limb amputation.
