Autopsy shows Birky died of natural causes

Monroe County Coroner David Toumey said IU junior Nichole Birky's death was caused by cardiac arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rate or rhythm, according to a May 14 Associated Press article.\nMembers of Delta Zeta sorority found Birky, 21, unresponsive in her bed when they tried to awaken her at around 10:30 a.m. April 5, according to an April 6 IDS article. When EMTs arrived on the scene, they said "it appeared that she had died sometime earlier," according to the article. Birky had last spoken with people at around 2 a.m. and had complained of not feeling well. \nPreliminary autopsy reports ruled out foul play and infectious disease, but officials had to wait for the results of toxicology tests to come through before they announced the cause of her death.\nBirky's death shook the campus, and since then, she has not been forgotten. Delta Zeta hosted a vigil the day after her death, which drew hundreds of grieving students, family and friends. One of Birky's closest friends also created a Facebook group in her remembrance, which now has 325 members and multiple postings of memories and messages expressing how much she has been missed. Though these outlets have offered comfort to her friends and family, they have not offered complete closure for many.\nSenior Jessica Ploszek was devastated by the loss of her close friend and former roommate, but she thinks that knowing the cause of Birky's death will help her cope with her loss.\n"It'll be easier, I think, to deal with now, knowing what happened," she said. "It is a bit of closure, having a real reason now."\nBirky's sorority sisters are still deeply mourning their loss.\n"We miss Nichole today the same as we did a month ago," said Jessica Braman, president of Delta Zeta. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Birky family."\nBraman said that the sorority is setting up a scholarship in her memory. Details of the scholarship are still being decided, but one of the sisters is working on fundraiser ideas, including a possible 5 kilometer walk and run.\n"We're just remembering her for her outgoing and positive personality," Braman said.