Student dies after cardiac arrest in Rather Hall dorm
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Jackie Marolf
Editor’s note: This story has been changed to correct an error in a previous version.
To those who knew her, Jackie Marolf was positive and full of life, with an infectious smile and laugh, and a personality that made others want to be better people.
“She was energetic and optimistic and goofy,” said friend and interdisciplinary humanities freshman Leah Waller. “There is nobody unaffected by her.”
Marolf, an 18-year-old marketing freshman and resident of Rather Hall, died Sunday morning after going into cardiac arrest late Saturday night in Bryan Hall. She had a pre-existing condition, Residence Life Director Paul Goldblatt said.
Although doctors tried to revive her for about an hour and a half, Marolf died at Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital, Waller said. MSU police said they had no information regarding the incident and said to contact the public information officer during regular business hours.
Marolf, a 2009 graduate of Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor, could make any day better, said finance freshman Ryan Bridges, one of Marolf’s closest friends.
“In a bad situation, you talk to her and she’s like, ‘Here’s another side of it,’ and she made people in such a better mood,” he said. “She took a weight off their shoulders.”
Bridges, who has years of memories of watching episodes of the television show “Roseanne” with Marolf and eating enough junk food to get sick, said he always will keep her in his heart.
She was full of joy and sang everywhere she went, Waller said.
“In fifth grade, she was the new kid and we all had tryouts to sing at our little Christmas program,” she said. “When she opened her mouth to sing, everybody just looked up and it was the most beautiful sound.”
Waller said Marolf grew into “the most beautiful person” and was able to touch the lives of many in her life.
“I believe that she came and did what she was supposed to do here,” she said.
Commentary
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Tom
(09/21/09 7:05am)Report
My condolences go out to the family of this young woman. I can’t even imagine the pain associated with losing your 18 year old daughter.
Rest in Peace
Townsend
(09/21/09 9:46am)Report
Very sad… condolences to her family.
God Bless
(09/21/09 10:37am)Report
I’m so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jackie and her family and loved ones in this very difficult time. We’re praying for you!
CM
(09/21/09 1:22pm)Report
Jackie was an amazing, talented, young lady- who died too soon.
May her death remind this campus that we simply do not know when we are going to leave, and therefore, we should love a little more,hug and little tighter, and be thankful for who we have.
Love you Jackie- Rest in Peace.
tedman
(09/21/09 3:23pm)Report
So so sad. I feel for her family and friends. RIP Jackie.
Nancy
(09/21/09 6:48pm)Report
My heart goes out to her family, I lost my 17 year old son in 2005 to SCA and the hurt in your heart never goes away. Just remember how lucky you were to have been chosen to be her parents. May God be with you in the days ahead and know that she will be watching over you.
Dan Miekstyn
(09/21/09 7:32pm)Report
Jackie was one of my students. She was a special young lady. I am deeply saddened by this news. I will miss the sunshine she brought to all our lives. Mr. Dan Miekstyn
greta
(09/21/09 8:27pm)Report
After my daughter, who is a sophmore at MSU tells me the story, I cry. I sit here with tears as I read the story. My 1 1/2 year old died unepexctantly in Feb. of this year and NOTHING prepares you for the death of a child. The pain and sadness is PROFOUND! Only faith in the most high and the love and support from family and friends can get you by, minute by minute. Unity in prayer is powerful and indirectly makes a big difference. Our lives will never be the same without our children, I will pray for her parents, other family, and friends. Please know that it seems you will never get through, but with faith you can, your life now has to redefine happiness and some sort of normality.
You are in our prayers!!
Ash
(09/21/09 11:17pm)Report
I knew Jackie, but unfortunetly not on much of a personal level. She always had a way of yelling something to her best friend Ryan Bridges that made the whole room light up and smile! Everytime she would walk in a door everyone instantly noticed her! Her smile is one of most Beautiful things I have ever seen. i love u so much Jackie! miss u RIP
G
(09/22/09 12:31am)Report
she was an amazing person. i’ve known her since the 5th grade and she was a fantastic person. she truly changed and effected lives, without a doubt. god bless her family.
love you jackie.
may you rest in peace.
Renee'
(09/22/09 9:38am)Report
My heart is broken for your family and the loss of your precious daughter. We just lost our son Don in January…please believe they will always be with us..in spirit and in our hearts..God Bless..
Katt Rahill
(09/22/09 10:26am)Report
I knew Jackie all the four years we attended FGRHS together. I love her to death, and she truly made a difference in my life. Her Mrs. Marolf and Ryan are in my prayers.
I love you Jackie
The Bonifer Family
(09/22/09 10:29am)Report
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Jackie. Both my daughters are students at MSU and are so sad for your family. I believe that she must have been a wonderful young lady for God to have wanted her at his side sp young. May time heal your pain, but never take your precious memories.
Tom Isaacson
(09/22/09 2:31pm)Report
I teach a course with 180 students and after only 4 meetings I knew who Jackie was through her participation in class discussions and questions after class. She will be missed and my condolences go out to her family and friends.
ma
(09/22/09 4:26pm)Report
so it goes.
Stacey Szerlag
(09/22/09 4:43pm)Report
Although, Jackie and I were not very close, we did have classes together in high school and we both knew we could count on each other to save the other a seat. She has no idea how much it mean to me when I would walk into class and see her saving the seat next to her for me. She was a truly remarkable person and will not be forgotten. My heart goes out to the Marolf family and all of her close friends, especially Ryan.
Cung
(09/22/09 10:33pm)Report
My professor spoke about Jackie during class today and brought tears to many of our eyes, including hers. She spoke very highly of her. I didn’t know Jackie personally but from what was spoken of and written about her, would have loved to. My condolences goes out to her family and friends. You are all in my thoughts…
Darlene Elezi
(09/23/09 10:06pm)Report
I’m so very sorry to hear this very sad news today.Jackie was truly a beautiful person.I am so sorry Marie.My prayers and my heart is with you.
Sadia
(09/25/09 1:51pm)Report
May her soul rest in peace. My utmost condolences goes to the family. May God help us get through it all who have been affected by this tragic incident.
Logan
(09/25/09 11:04pm)Report
I only knew her a year. But i knew there was something different about her from everyone else. RIP Jackie. May God pour down blessings to her family.You all are in our prayers
BM
(09/28/09 5:51pm)Report
What about the fact that you can’t make a statement on a student’s medical history (generaly or not) or release their name in the paper without the consent of the family?