On Saturday, a student-athlete at York College in Pennsylvania was found unresponsive in his room and was later pronounced dead, according to a statement released by the school.
Andrew Ruehlicke, a junior sport management major from Mullica Hill, New Jersey was found unresponsive in his residence hall at York College on Oct. 8. He was then later announced dead.
Dr. Richard T. Satterlee, the college’s dean of student development and campus life, issued the following statement:
We are deeply saddened to share that one of our students, Andrew Ruehlicke, was found unresponsive in his residence hall room earlier today and was later deemed deceased. Drew was a junior sport management major from Mullica Hill, New Jersey, and a member of our men’s soccer team. There are no words to describe the profound sorrow we feel as a community because of his passing.
Please keep Drew and his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.Please note that there is no indication that the circumstances of this tragic event pose a threat to the health and safety of our campus community. Nonetheless, this news is understandably difficult for many of us. Those who need assistance are reminded that they may access Counseling Services to address any concerns.
The students and faculty at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, where Andrew attended school before, organized a memorial service for Andrew.
“Our community is saddened to share the news of the passing of Andrew “Drew” Ruehlicke from the Class of 2020. A mass will be offered in Drew’s name this morning at 9:30 am in St. Vincent Pallotti Chapel. Our school counselors are also available for any student who needs support. Details of his services will be shared with the community when they become available,” the school said in a statement.
“Please join us in extending prayerful condolences to the Ruehlicke family at this time of sorrow. May our Heavenly Father bring them His peace, comfort, and light, as well as the hope of the resurrection.”
York College requires its students and faculty to be fully vaccinated ensuring that everyone in a classroom is vaccinated, except the few with approved exemptions.
From York College:
In Fall, 2021, the College was able to advance directly to Phase 3 of the York College Reopening Plan. In Fall 2022, following an extended period in which COVID-19 numbers have remained controlled, the College can now safely operate in Phase 4, providing for normal building operations except as provided for herein. During Fall 2022, Library Access will continue to be limited to front desk services, without student access to stacks; group study areas outside of the area of the stacks are available for student use. Dining Facilities remain closed at this time, with the exception of the 2nd Floor café, which provides “grab and go” service.
Vaccination and Booster Requirements
All new students coming to campus for the first time in the Fall for in-person and hybrid courses, or any other on-campus activities will be required to submit proof of vaccination, unless a religious or medical exemption has been approved. Students must upload proof of being fully-vaccinated prior to the start of classes for the Fall term. A person is considered fully vaccinated:
- Two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna, or;
- Two weeks after a single dose vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson (J&J),or;
- At the time specified in either in the FDA licensure or World Health Organization (WHO) approval, after the final vaccination of any other vaccines.
Additionally, students are strongly encouraged to receive vaccine boosters, once eligible.