Tragedies at Bentley University: Understanding Student Deaths and Safety Measures
The Bentley University community has faced profound loss with the deaths of students, highlighting the importance of health awareness and safety precautions on college campuses. This article examines two separate incidents involving Bentley University students, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths and the subsequent responses from the university.
The Loss of Erin Ortiz: A Battle with Bacterial Meningitis
College officials were initially unsure as to the cause of the bacterial disease that killed Erin Ortiz, an 18-year-old first-year student. Ortiz died from bacterial meningitis at Westchester Medical Center after visiting her family in New Hampton, N.Y., where she was hospitalized. Gerri Taylor, director of health services on campus, stated, "We have no idea where it came from. We know the incubation period is one to 10 days and that Erin had not sought health care here in the area."
Ortiz was well-liked on campus and had a close circle of friends. "Our hearts go out to her family and roommate and her close friends over here at Bentley," Taylor said. "She lived with one person. She had a very tight-knit group of four or five women. It was a very close friendship that you usually don't see so soon on a college campus. She is going to be greatly missed."
Ortiz was a member of the Bentley Investment Club. Professor Kartik Raman, the faculty advisor, said, "It is absolutely sad, regardless if she was part of our club or not. It is always sad when you lose part of your community. I didn't get a chance to know Erin. She's a fairly new student. We've only had three meetings and with 150 students, I am just starting to get to know them."
University Response and Preventative Measures
The college's Student Health Services offices received notification of Ortiz's illness late Sunday afternoon from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). Michele Walsh, director of public relations for Bentley, explained, "We were able to track down many people that had close contact with her. On Sunday, we approximately reached about 50 people. Thirty have been treated and we're continuing that communication. Like most college campuses, we do require the vaccination, but it does not cover every strain of bacterial meningitis and to the best of our knowledge she had been vaccinated."
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President Gloria Larson and Vice President of Student Affairs Kathleen Yorkis informed the Bentley community of the tragedy and extended their sympathies to Erin's family and friends.
Since bacterial meningitis is transmitted by contact with saliva, Bentley Student Health Services immediately began giving prophylactic antibiotics on Sunday to students and staff members who had close contact with Ortiz. Taylor noted, "Erin's father actually spoke with our Vice President Kathleen Yorkis and he said it was very important for him to make sure people seek health care when they're having symptoms. I would at least like to give him credit. We feel at this point we have given the antibiotic to as many close contacts as we are aware of."
Walsh stated that the last known case of bacterial meningitis on campus was close to 20 years ago. "That student survived, and it was caught in time," she said.
Understanding Bacterial Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is a severe form of bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitides, which are bacteria that can cause illness in people of any age. According to Taylor, "There are several types of bacterial meningitis. There is a vaccine required of students coming to school in the state of Massachusetts. That's for college students, but that does not cover Neisseria Type-B."
The methods of contracting bacterial meningitis and symptoms have been explained to the campus community, and all are encouraged to seek health care immediately if they develop any symptoms. Taylor advised, "The best thing students can do or anyone can do is to avoid sharing drinks and food with others and also to avoid sharing cigarettes, lipstick, and Chapstick. Major symptoms are severe headache, stiff neck, neurological symptoms such as dizziness and confusion, sensitivity to lights, high fever and sometimes vomiting."
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Staff members also disinfected areas that Ortiz frequented. The college is offering counseling and spiritual support for its community and working with Ortiz's family to arrange a memorial on campus.
The Death of Gaurav Jaisingh
Gaurav Jaisingh, a 22-year-old Bentley University student, was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. He was a member of Shrewsbury High School’s Class of 2021 and was scheduled to graduate from Bentley University. Bentley University released a public statement, “It’s been a difficult few days and our community is feeling the emotional toll of the tragic loss of fellow Falcon, Gaurav Jaisingh ’25. Our hearts go out to Gaurav’s family and friends."
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Silent Threat
Another tragic incident, though not directly related to Bentley University, highlights a critical safety concern for students, especially during power outages and cold weather. A Rhode Island college football player died from carbon monoxide poisoning after he tried to charge his phone in his car during a massive snowstorm that caused a power outage.
First responders found 21-year-old Joseph Boutros, a Salve Regina University student, unresponsive in his car in Newport, Rhode Island. Police said the vehicle’s exhaust pipe was obstructed by snow and that his death from carbon monoxide poisoning was accidental. The area didn’t have power, and Boutros told a fellow student that he was using his car to charge his phone.
Understanding the Risks of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen to the body’s organs, leading to throbbing headaches, disorientation, drowsiness, unconsciousness, convulsions, and eventually death.
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The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is higher in the winter and after heavy snowfall. During cold weather, people are more likely to use furnaces and heaters that emit the lethal gas. Snowfall can block exhaust pipes or vents, obstructing proper ventilation.
Prevention and Safety Measures
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation when using heating systems. Never run a car in a closed garage, bring grills inside, or use gas stoves for personal heat. Keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and have vehicles inspected annually for exhaust leaks. Install carbon monoxide detectors in homes and check them regularly.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Help
Major symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include severe headache, stiff neck, neurological symptoms such as dizziness and confusion, sensitivity to lights, and high fever. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek health care immediately.
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