Friends mourn freshman

Seth Korona, a 19-year-old freshman, died Sunday, three weeks into his first semester at IU.\nHe had been in a coma since he was taken to Bloomington Hospital Jan. 29. Friends said he was a fun, outgoing and positive person who often talked about his family. The IU Police Department is investigating his death, said Lt. Jerry Minger.\nKorona transferred from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, friends said. He was originally from New Jersey.\nMinger said IUPD was called to his dorm room at Foster Quad Jan. 29. Korona was transported to Bloomington Hospital by ambulance.\nMinger said Korona was "semi-conscious" when police arrived. Friends said Korona was in a coma until his death Sunday.\nMinger said that upon hearing of Korona's death Monday an investigation began immediately.\n"We were advised today that Mr. Korona had passed away," Minger said. "I also understan the coroner is investigating it."\nThe Monroe County Corner's office did not respond to pages from the IDS Monday night.\nUniversity spokeswoman Susan Dillman said the University could provide little information until investigations were further along.\n"We are very saddened by the death of this student," Dillman said. "We are continuing to monitor the investigation."\nFloormates of Korona's gathered to talk about their friend Monday in the Foster Quad formal lounge.\nDonning a green sweater that had belonged to Korona, freshman Chris Vargo remembered his workout partner.\nVargo said Korona was the first student he met at IU. The reverse was probably also true, he said, since both started second semester.\nVargo said Korona was an easy-going, fun-loving friend who was great to have around.\n"He always mentioned how much fun he had here," Vargo said. "He never had a bad day."\nKorona's New Jersey accent is one thing freshman Scott McCoy said he liked about Korona. \nMcCoy said Korona was "the quickest friend I ever met."\nHis ability to make friends was an asset to his residence hall floor, freshman Matt Wattley said.\n"Last semester, our floor wasn't that tight," Wattley said. "I prayed to be closer. I got my prayers answered with Seth."\nThe floor became even closer when Korona got sick, freshman Brian Eagles said. Floormates visited him in the hospital and prayed for him.\nThey said they are grateful to have known him.\n"I'm glad I met him, even though it was for a short time," Vargo said.\nThe floor organized a memorial gathering for Korona Sunday night at Foster. About 120 people attended.