Pitt student Alexa Marie Eplett, of Johnstown, Pa., was found dead of an apparent suicide inside… Pitt student Alexa Marie Eplett, of Johnstown, Pa., was found dead of an apparent suicide inside her dorm room in Lothrop Hall yesterday.

Officers said they received a call from Eplett’s friends, who hadn’t seen or heard from her in a while. Pitt police officers went to check on her welfare around 4:40 p.m. yesterday when they found her dead. Pitt police officers then called city police officers, police said.

Pitt spokesman John Fedele said the family was notified before The Pitt News released Eplett’s name.

Eplett, an 18-year-old freshman, made the Dean’s List last semester. Those who wish to help honor Eplett’s memory are encouraged to e-mail [email protected] to be quoted in a future story.

Friends and family seeking counseling can call the University Counseling Center at 412-648-7930.

Editor’s note: It’s always difficult for a newspaper to report a student’s passing, but to prevent misinformation about this tragedy, The Pitt News feels an obligation to do so.