Verona College Student Dies at Family Home, Syracuse University Officials Say

A Verona High School graduate enrolled at Syracuse University died unexpectedly in her family’s home Monday, university officials said. 

Emma Wozny was a junior at the university enrolled in the College of the Arts & Sciences, majoring in psychology and neuroscience, Chancellor Nancy Cantor announced in a message to the Syracuse community Tuesday.

“During this very difficult time, our hearts go out to Emma's family, friends, colleagues, and the faculty and staff who knew her,” Cantor said.

The cause of her death was not immediately known.

Wozny spent a semester abroad in the fall of 2012, studying in Spain through Syracuse’s Madrid program. She was a staff writer for The Daily Orange, and published an article as recently as last week.

She graduated from Verona High School in 2011 and was a member of the marching band, according to a column called "Your Space" which ran in the Verona-Cedar Grove Times in November 2010. Wozny was a contributor to the weekly newspaper. 

Verona Schools released a statement saying the district's crisis team is available, as are resources outside the district, to help students cope with the tragedy. 

"We are deeply saddened by this loss and have our crisis management procedures in place to help your children with any possible reactions to this tragedy," Superintendent of Verona Schools Steven Forte said.

"Your child may have feelings that he/she would like to discuss with you," Forte said. "You can help your child by listening carefully, not overreacting, accepting his/her feelings, and answering any questions honestly according to your beliefs."

Forte recommended the website, 2ndfloor.org as a resource with a youth hotline.