College basketball player, 21, found dead in apartment; preliminary report says chewing gum might have contributed to death
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Version 0 of 1. A 21-year-old college basketball player was found unresponsive in her apartment on Sunday. Could chewing gum have contributed to her death? California University of Pennsylvania senior Shanice Clark was pronounced dead after she was transported to local hospital early Sunday morning, the Observer-Reporter reported. According to the newspaper: Police said a preliminary report from medical personnel indicates she aspirated on gum while sleeping, and the death was accidental. The report added there was no knowledge of blood tests. In a news release, however, [Washington County Coroner Tim Warco] said cause of death is pending an autopsy and manner of death is pending an investigation. Borough police are investigating. Police said a preliminary report from medical personnel indicates she aspirated on gum while sleeping, and the death was accidental. The report added there was no knowledge of blood tests. In a news release, however, [Washington County Coroner Tim Warco] said cause of death is pending an autopsy and manner of death is pending an investigation. Borough police are investigating. California police chief Rick Encapera did not immediately return a telephone message from The Post on Tuesday, and Warco did not return an email seeking to clarify the circumstances surrounding Clark’s death. “Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Shanice Clark,” Athletic Director Karen Hjerpe said in a statement. “Shanice was a bright student and talented player. Her smile and personality will be missed.” Clark, a 6-foot forward from Toronto, was a communication studies major at Cal U, a school in western Pennsylvania. An acquaintance in Canada told the Toronto Star that Clark was funny and dedicated, and had hoped to become a broadcaster. “On behalf of California University of Pennsylvania, I extend my deepest sympathy to all of Shanice’s family and friends,” university president Geraldine Jones said in the statement, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “She will be missed by her teammates and coaches, her classmates, and by the entire campus community.” |