A senior in SUNY-ESF and member of the Alpha Phi Omega community service fraternity died Thursday morning, according to an email sent to the campus community.

Jessica Pfeifer, a senior forest and natural resources management major at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, was identified as the student. Pfeifer was from Kennett Square, Pa., according to the email, which was sent Thursday.

Pfeifer was taken to Crouse Hospital by ambulance early Thursday morning and later died of cardiac arrest, according to an article published by The Post-Standard on Thursday.

She played a role in planning events leading up to the commencement exercises held in May, including the Spring Soiree held Saturday, according to the article.

‘Losing a member of our campus family is so painful. As surely as it affects us all, it can affect each of us differently,’ said Nancy Cantor, chancellor of Syracuse University, in the email. ‘At this very difficult time, our thoughts are with Jessica’s family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.’

A service was held for Pfeifer on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the Nifkin Lounge on ESF’s campus. Outlets such as the Counseling Center (443-4715), Hendricks Chapel (443-2901) and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (443-1087) are available to those who seek support.

Neil Murphy, president of ESF, and Thomas Wolfe, senior vice president and dean of student affairs at SU, could not be reached for comment.

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Published on April 19, 2012 at 12:00 pm

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