Decatur Grad Dies Suddenly at College

The Southwest DeKalb High School community is mourning the death of a recent graduate who excelled in the classroom and on the gym floor.

Lauren Jones, a freshman at the University of Oregon, died suddenly on Tuesday, WSB-TV said. University of Oregon officials said that Jones required medical attention but passed away shortly after the problem began.

“All of us in the UO family are deeply saddened by Lauren’s sudden passing and extend our sympathies to her family and friends,” Director of Athletics Rob Mullens said in a statement. “As we honor Lauren’s spirit, we are providing comfort and support to her coaches, teammates and fellow student-athletes as they go through the grieving process.”

Jones’ cause of death has not been announced as of Wednesday morning, but a CBS affiliate in Oregon has learned that meningococcemia, a bacterial infection of the bloodstream related to bacterial meningitis, is being considered as a possible cause of death. Three other University of Oregon students have been diagnosed with similar bacterial infections since January, the affiliate said.

Jones, 18, was on the Ducks’ acrobatics and tumbling team and captained the Panthers’ varsity gymnastics team. She also participated in the school band and was on Southwest DeKalb’s honor roll.