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USC freshman Rachel Kim was "talking and laughing" with her roommate in their Pardee Tower dorm room on campus Wednesday night, when she suddenly collapsed, according to the Daily Trojan. Kim's roommate, Molly Keam, sought help, and both officials from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 8:41 Thanksgiving-eve call. The student was found "unresponsive and not breathing." Kim, a print and digital journalism major, "was transported to California Hospital and was later pronounced dead," explains DPS Capt. David Carlisle.
The cause of Kim's death has not been released. USC has counselors available to help students cope with Kim's sudden death; Michael L. Jackson, vice president of student affairs, pledged support and expressed condolences via an email sent to all Pardee Tower residents.