Student dies on study abroad trip

A 21-year-old USC student died in Italy while studying abroad this semester.

Karen Young, a third-year accounting, finance and art history student, was found near the Tiber River in Rome early Thursday morning.

Young had begun a semester-long program of study at John Cabot University in Rome, where she was enrolled in courses in business, Italian and media arts.

The cause of death is still unknown, although medical examiners said they believe it was due to natural causes.

"She was the light of the party, everyone knew who she was because she was loud and always talking, making people laugh," said Rachel Smith, one of Young's best friends at USC. "She was the greatest friend anyone could ask for. She would stand up for anyone."

Jaimee Carter, a third-year finance and Spanish student, said Young was the type of person who stood out, the type of person everyone remembered.

"She was a great friend to many people and will be missed by many. The way I will remember Karen is singing along to Journey every time she got the chance," Carter said. "She was truly one of a kind and I am so heartbroken that her time with us is cut short, but the times that we shared were incredible and I will love and remember her always."

Smith, a third-year international studies and Spanish student, said Young always made you feel good by knowing the plans for the night and made sure everyone was included.

"She was the kind of person that you could know for five minutes and you were automatically her friend," Smith said. "She was friends with you no matter who you were or what you were like."

Smith said Young was someone who made everything an adventure and could make her laugh no matter what was going on in her life.

"From now on, I'll stand up a little taller, talk a little louder, and live life to its fullest for you. I feel so lucky to have been your friend and I am so proud of the person you were," Smith said on a Facebook group wall. "I'm sure you're already partying it up in heaven and I look forward to the day I'll see you again."

Smith said Young was very fashionable, that she "could wear something ridiculous but pull it off because it was Karen."

Young was a Capstone scholar and McKissick scholar, according to Media Relations. She was also a volleyball player, Smith said.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of Karen Young, who was a bright and ambitious student at the university," said Pat Willer, assistant vice provost for International Programs, in a news release. "The South Carolina community extends it deepest sympathy to Karen's family and friends."

Plans for funeral arrangements and memorial services have not been set.