Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 5/20/05 Section: Headlines

(U-WIRE) CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Authorities in Shasta County, Calif., believe that Oregon State University student Gina Zalunardo committed suicide, based on evidence where her body was found and an autopsy that was performed on Monday.

 

The Shasta County Sheriff's Office said Zalunardo, 22, hanged herself with a piece of clothing.

 

Investigators said they have found nothing to indicate anything other than suicide in the death.

 

"We're very comfortable" with the tentative ruling, said Shasta County Sheriff's Capt. Dave Compomizzo. "And I usually don't get that way."

 

Compomizzo said the case will be inactivated, but he said that if more information emerges, his office will investigate.

 

Toxicology tests, due in about two weeks, will determine whether or not drugs or alcohol were in Zalunardo's system at the time of her death, Compomizzo said.

 

Investigators have said that they do not believe Zalunardo was drunk when she was last seen, about 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 7. Compomizzo has said that he doubts she was using drugs.

 

Friends saw Zalunardo leaving a houseboat that was anchored to Shasta Lake's Slaughterhouse Island after she apparently had a verbal argument with her boyfriend.

 

On Thursday, May 12, her body was found in heavy manzanita brush near the summit of the 1/2-mile-square island, about 300 yards from the houseboat.

 

Zalunardo was among about 500 OSU students who were gathered at the lake in what has become a traditional Mother's Day weekend party.

 

Laughs and smiles

 

University leaders quickly responded to Monday's news. Friends and faculty members who knew Zalunardo spoke at an afternoon press conference.

 

Carol Leder, Zalunardo's academic adviser, described the junior as a "bright, beautiful and vibrant young woman."

 

Fran McKee-Ryan, an assistant professor of management, said Zalunardo always came to class with a smile.

 

"Carol and I ... we both are really struggling with the shock," McKee-Ryan said.

 

Erin Moffenbeier, president of Delta Gamma, Zalunardo's sorority, said the house is having a difficult time coping with the loss.

 

"Being together in the house is quite comforting," said Moffenbeier, who roomed with Zalunardo for a term.

 

Moffenbeier said she and Zalunardo shared laughs and smiles as they "pushed each other" academically.

 

"She is there for us and she will continue to be there for us," Moffenbeier said.

 

Moffenbeier said she saw no warning signs that Zalunardo was experiencing any problems.

 

"It is a shock," Moffenbeier said. "She was a happy, optimistic, very determined woman."

 

Ellen Taylor, director of OSU's Counseling and Psychological Services, said suicide is the second leading cause of death for college-aged students. She said that Oregon ranks 11th nationally in number of suicides.

 

Taylor said that the university has offered information about suicide prevention in the past and will continue to do so.

 

She added that individuals dealing with grief are welcome to seek help from her office.

 

"There is no typical case," when it comes to suicide, said Taylor, a licensed psychologist. "All too often, there are no warning signs."

 

Memorial planned

 

A native of Redmond, Zalunardo was taking spring term off from OSU to start a job with the Union Hotshot Crew -- a wildland firefighting unit based in La Grande, Ore. Zalunardo spent most of spring term physically training for the job, which was supposed to begin on Monday.

 

Zalunardo was pursuing a degree in international business with a minor in Spanish.

 

A "Celebration of Life" service has been scheduled for Saturday, May 21, at 1 p.m. at the Powell Butte Christian Church in Powell Butte, Ore.

 

Moffenbeier said several members of the Delta Gamma house plan to attend.

 

Memorial contributions in Zalunardo's name can be made to the Wildland Firefighters Foundation, 2049 Airport Way, Boise, Idaho, 83705.

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