College Student's Death at Off-Campus Party Triggers Police Investigation

Published: 4/10/2019, 10:26:10 AM EDT

College Student's Death at Off-Campus Party Triggers Police Investigation — Caroline Smith, 20, a Furman University sophomore, died at a party in Hilton Head, South Carolina, on April 6, 2019. (Caroline Smith/Facebook)

Police are investigating the death of a college student who collapsed at an off-campus frat party.

Caroline Smith, 20, a Furman University sophomore from Atlanta, died at the party in Hilton Head, South Carolina on April 6.

In a statement, Furman President Elizabeth Davis said that Smith was a history and communication studies major and was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, while her brother also attends the school.

Smith told her boyfriend that she didn't feel well before collapsing and dying, officers wrote in an incident report obtained by WYFF.

Emergency workers rushed to the scene but found her unresponsive. Smith's boyfriend performed CPR until they arrived and they continued CPR for several minutes but soon pronounced her dead.

The 911 call from the incident showed the caller telling a dispatcher: "I need an EMT. I think she’s dying. She just fell and hit her head."

The caller was apparently a bystander who alerted authorities while Smith's boyfriend tried to revive her.

Beaufort County Sheriff Major Bob Bromage told WSAV that officials are investigating whether any underage students were served alcohol at the party, which started on Friday night and went into Saturday.

"Pursuant to statutory law, we are investigating whether or not underage students were served alcohol at this party," Bromage said.

Hilton Head town managers also said they're investigating what happened at 5 Enterprise Lane, which houses Meeting Dynamics Inc., an event production company.

According to South Carolina law, when a person under 21 dies in an accident where alcohol is suspected, a local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction must “commence a detailed investigation to determine the circumstances under which the beverage was obtained," reported the Island Packet.

An autopsy was completed on April 8 by the Medical University of South Carolina. Beaufort County deputy coroner David Ott said that, "the cause of death and manner of death is pending per further analysis."

Vince Moore, Furman's director of news and media relations, told WYFF that students were there to attend a Kappa Alpha formal on Saturday night. The event was approved by the university.

Due to Smith's death, the formal was canceled.

Remembering Smith

Hundreds of people reacted to the news of Smith's death.

"I’m in shock. Just a few weeks ago, I interviewed Caroline. She was my top pick—was one of those people you felt instantly connected to. She had so much zest for life, loved Furman, and someone you could trust to get any task done (big or small)," wrote Heather Jayde Long, a journalism student.

"Our personalities meshed perfectly and she reminded me so much of myself at 19. I can’t even imagine the pain her family and friends are enduring. Please keep them in your prayers. I’m so sorry, Caroline. So so sorry."

"Our family first met Caroline at a Best Buddies meet-up at Furman University this past fall. She was asked to be Clifford’s, our son, Best Buddy. They hit it off from their very first meeting. She had such a contagious smile and her face lit up with it. She was a beautiful girl inside and out!" added Cliff Conger.

"Caroline was the sweetest cheer camp counselor. My daughter and her friends adored her. Prayers for her family, friends, and the Furman community during this difficult time," added Cheri Messaros Sullivan.

"Our hearts broke when we learned of this immensely sad news. Caroline was a BEAUTIFUL girl inside and out ... always a bright smile for everyone she met. We send our love, prayers, and deepest sympathies and know that God has Caroline now," added Jill Haly Owen.

In an obituary, Smith's family wrote that she was "one of the sweetest, kindest, most generous, giving, thoughtful, and caring young women to ever walk upon the earth."

Describing her cause of death as "an accidental fall," the family said that Smith loved all outdoor activities and planned a career as a sports broadcaster.