Freshman studio art major Raisa D. Sheikh died after being transported from Whispering Ridge Apartments to Watauga Medical Center Saturday morning. Photo by Holt Menzies

by JUSTIN HERBERGER
Intern News Reporter

An Appalachian State University student was pronounced dead Saturday from an apparent accidental overdose of alcohol, Boone Police Detective David W. Osborne said. 

Toxicology reports have yet to confirm Osborne’s statement.

Boone Police responded to an emergency call at approximately 4:30 a.m. Saturday for freshman studio art major Raisa D. Sheikh, after friends found her unresponsive.

Although Sheikh was a resident of East Residence Hall, she was located at Whispering Ridge Apartments on 103 Oak Grove Road before being transferred to Watauga Medical Center.

A memorial book will be placed in Plemmons Student Union today through Wednesday, May 6. Students are invited to sign the book, which will be sent to Sheikh’s family.

A table with sentimental value located outside of Lovill Residence Hall is covered with signatures and messages from friends and acquaintances. 

Freshman early childhood development major Casey L. Lambert remembers Raisa as always smiling.

“She would say hi to anyone,” Lambert said. “Even if she didn’t know their name.”

Sheikh’s friends have formed a Facebook group in her remembrance. As of press time, the group had approximately 425 members.

“Raisa truly was a pillar of this community and embodied the Appalachian way,” East Hall Residence Director Cody W. Grasty said in an e-mail sent to East Hall residents. “She had an amazing ability to impact others with her love, laughter and friendship. Never shying away from the opportunity of making new friends, Raisa constantly met and talked with new people.”

A memorial service was held yesterday in Matthews, N.C. Condolences may be sent to Sheikh’s family: Danny and Ellen Sheikh,
8505 Longview Club Drive, Waxhaw, N.C. 28173.

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