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KU student found dead in sorority house identified as 19-year-old from Overland Park

The University of Kansas campus in Lawrence. KU student Piper Alexis Carter, 19, was found dead in the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house on April 29. No signs of foul play were found, and the cause of her death was not immediately known, according to Lawrence police.
The University of Kansas campus in Lawrence. KU student Piper Alexis Carter, 19, was found dead in the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house on April 29. No signs of foul play were found, and the cause of her death was not immediately known, according to Lawrence police. The Kansas City Star

The University of Kansas student found dead in her sorority house on Saturday was identified by Lawrence police as a 19-year-old from Overland Park.

The student was Piper Alexis Carter, Sgt. Drew Fennelly said in a statement Monday. Police investigating her death found no signs of foul play, and the cause of her death remained unknown as the coroner had yet to release findings.

Around 10:30 a.m. Saturday, police and firefighters responded to an emergency call at the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house at 1500 Sigma Nu Place in Lawrence. Carter was found to be “already beyond life-saving measures” in her bed when medics arrived, police said.

Following the police announcement Monday, the sorority on Facebook offered condolences to Carter’s family and friends, saying that sharing the news of her death came with “immeasurable grief.”

University of Kansas sorority Alpha Chi Omega shared condolences Monday for the family and friends of 19-year-old member Piper Carter, of Overland Park. On April 29, Carter suddenly died and was found in her bed in her Lawrence sorority house. No signs of foul play were found, and the cause of her death was not immediately known, according to police.
University of Kansas sorority Alpha Chi Omega shared condolences Monday for the family and friends of 19-year-old member Piper Carter, of Overland Park. On April 29, Carter suddenly died and was found in her bed in her Lawrence sorority house. No signs of foul play were found, and the cause of her death was not immediately known, according to police. Facebook

Fennelly added that “speculation and rumors” about Carter’s death had surfaced in the community, but said those claims were not based in fact.

“Our hearts are with Piper’s family and friends who are grieving and processing this sudden and tragic event,” Fennelly said.

This story was originally published May 1, 2023 at 6:41 PM.

Bill Lukitsch
The Kansas City Star
Bill Lukitsch covered nighttime breaking news for The Kansas City Star since 2021, focusing on crime, courts and police accountability. Lukitsch previously reported on politics and government for The Quad-City Times.
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