Funeral tomorrow for student Rachael Hogan who died in UL lecture hall

Preliminary autopsy results on the body of a student who collapsed suddenly at a lecture hall on one of her last days at college have proved inconclusive.

University of Limerick student Rachael Hogan, aged 22, from Castleville, Golf Links Rd, Castletroy in Limerick, was giving a presentation on her final- year project when she began to feel unwell at around 12.30pm on Thursday.

The university doctor arrived at the lecture hall in the Kemmy Business School in UL within minutes, and an ambulance was called immediately.

Her parents, Michael and Anne, arrived at the scene and were present while their youngest daughter was being tended to. Tragically, resuscitation proved unsuccessful and the student was taken to University Hospital Limerick where she was pronounced dead later that afternoon.

An autopsy was carried out on Thursday night but the results were inconclusive and further tests will need to be carried out to determine the cause of Rachael’s death.

Devastated students left messages in a book of condolence opened in UL’s Student Centre.

In a statement, Dr Bernadette Walsh, director of student affairs, said: “Our heartfelt sympathies are for Rachael’s parents Michael and Anne, sisters Sarah and Noelle, at this very difficult time.”

The youngest of three children, Rachael was at UL studying for a business degree.

Yesterday was due to be her last day of college before final exams commence in two weeks.

Rachael will be laid to rest tomorrow after 2pm Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Milford, Castletroy.

Burial will take place at Inch St Lawrence’s cemetery in Caherconlish.