An Indiana college student who was quarantining after testing positive for the coronavirus was found dead in her dorm room, according to a report.
Bethany Nesbitt, 20, was found in a residence hall at Grace College on Oct. 30, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Her official cause of death was ruled to be from a pulmonary embolism — a blockage of an artery in the lungs — but a medical examiner said COVID-19 “played a role” in her passing.
“After a complete investigation and autopsy, the cause of death has been ruled natural due to a pulmonary embolus that had not been previously detected,” Coroner Tony Ciriello said, according to the school.
“While COVID did play a role in contributing to the death, it was not caused by COVID.”
The psychology major from Michigan, who had asthma, began experiencing symptoms on Oct. 20 and was rushed to an emergency room last week when her oxygen levels dropped, the outlet reported.
But the doctor said Nesbitt appeared to be recovering, so she returned to her dorm to quarantine.
Her family is now urging others to remain cautious as COVID-19 cases rise.
“Please don’t assume that young people will not be impacted by this virus,” a statement from the Nesbitts read, according to the Charlotte Observer.
“Bethany was careful. She wore her mask. She socially distanced. We urge you to follow health officials’ protocols and precautions. We had already canceled our family holiday plans before Bethany got sick. The risks of gathering in large groups aren’t worth it this year.”
“She was a selfless and loving friend, a source of constant encouragement to all those around her,” the family added.