BU Student Dies Over Weekend
Bloomsburg University President Bashar Hanna informed BU faculty members this morning about the death of Leah Burke. Burke was a sophomore nursing student and member of the Student Nurses Association.
In his email he said, “With great sadness, I share news of the untimely passing of one of our students, Leah Burke, who passed away Saturday evening.”
His email goes on to say, “Her clinical faculty, Dr. Kristy Sands, Ashlie Fritz and Robin Kline said: “Leah was a quiet, conscientious student. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, she started her clinical experiences this academic year. At clinical, she was a team player and worked well with her peers. Leah also provided compassionate care to her patients and enjoyed teaching them about health promotion.”
Burke’s roommates started a GoFundMe to help her family with expenses. As of this update, they have raised over $11,000 of their $5,000 goal.
Roger F. Van Loan from Bloomsburg Town Police said in an email, “We have no information to release at this time. We will issue a media notice when and if we determine it is appropriate to do so.”
Montour County Coroner, Scott E. Lynn, told BUnow there is an autopsy scheduled and “the case is under investigation.”
This is a breaking news story. BUnow will update it as more information becomes available.
*Story updated at 8:58 p.m.
Condolences to her loved ones and the community. Roger Van Loan is the police chief of town police not BUPD (university).