An Eastern Illinois University student passed away of natural causes Thursday in Taylor Hall, according to Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers.  

University police arrived at freshman public health major Zaria Blaxton’s dorm at approximately 5:19 p.m. responding to a wellness check, according to UPD Chief of Police Marisol Gamboa.  

The wellness check request came from the office of housing and dining around 5:15 p.m. after acting Dean of Student Success Michael Gillespie received a call from Blaxton’s mother around 9:45 a.m. saying she hadn’t heard from her daughter in a few days, according to Executive Director of Housing and Dining Mark Hudson.  

“A student death is the worst part of work in higher education,” Hudson said. “It hits the community hard because oftentimes people are having a brush with death of a peer for the first time, and it’s devastating.”  

Blaxton came to Eastern through Hope Chicago, a non-profit foundation that recruits students to go to college and offers them financial assistance, Gillespie said.  

Through Hope Chicago, students are able to pick whatever school they like and attend in a small group of others who are also going to the same school.  

Gillespie oversees this group of students at Eastern, which is how he was able to be in quick contact with Blaxton’s mother.  

“I was in contact with her mom quite a bit throughout the year, especially this semester,” Gillespie said. “I got to know [Blaxton’s] mom quite a bit.”  

Gillespie described Blaxton’s personality as super energetic and spunky, describing how every time he saw her, she was ecstatic to go to class.  

“She knew the special circumstance, and she was very humbled and gracious for the opportunity to get to go to college,” Gillespie said. “Without that program, she wasn’t going to be able to do that.”  

Gillespie said people who wish to talk are more than welcome to do so at the Student Counseling Clinic or with himself on Fridays.  

“It’s a time to lean on your friend and lean on your peers, especially for folks in Taylor,” Gillespie said. “You build these relationships for a reason, and these are the times why you build those relationships.”  

According to Schniers, a full autopsy report won’t be available for another six to eight weeks.  

Luke Brewer can be reached at 581-2812 or at lsbrewer@eiu.edu.