Police investigating after Raleigh student found dead in ECU dormitory

Authorities said the female student, identified as Simmie Marie Byrd of Raleigh, was found dead by her roommate inside Jarvis Hall at about 3:15 p.m.

Campus police said there is no evidence to suggest foul play was involved in the death.

"We were just about as tight as two friends could be," said Byrd's friend, Connor Dunmire. "We've been through so much together, and there's been so much good and so much bad that no matter how hard I try, the only thing I can think of are the good memories."

School officials said Byrd was a freshman majoring in biology. Friends said she hoped to be a zoologist.

Wake County schools spokeswoman Lisa Luten said Byrd graduated from Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy last May.

"She was gonna give you the best advice that she could give, and I think that's one of the most important things about her," said Allen Talamentes, who attended Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy, where he met Byrd. "For me, I'm trying to stay strong for the family because I know they'd be there for me if I ever needed it."

The ECU counseling center will be open for students Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a 24-hour hotline is available to students.