Cause unknown in student death

A shrine of flowers and handwritten cards has been set up near the site where Caroline Esmailpour was found unconscious Sunday evening on the football practice field next to State University Drive West.

Esmailpour, a 21-year-old resident of Newbury Park, was in-line skating when she collapsed between 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. She passed away Monday at the UC Davis Medical Center.

The cause of her death has not been determined, said John Hamrick of the CSUS Police, who is investigating the case. The Sacramento County coroner's office said a toxicology report has been requested. The report will take four to six weeks to complete.

Since she was a resident of Sierra Hall, grief counseling has been set up for dorm residents, said Associate Vice President for Student Affairs David Braverman.

"Anytime there is a crisis on campus involving the students, we try to provide counseling," he said.

The CSUS police department is seeking witnesses in the case. Information can be left with Hamrick at 278-6851.

Esmailpour remembered as good friend

Whether spending the day shopping or volunteering to work with disabled children, friends of Caroline Esmailpour say the CSUS junior was almost always happy.

"I never heard her complain," said Sofia Heldemar, Esmailpour's roommate. Robb Shimp, one of Esmailpour's close friends, agreed.

"If she was down, it would last for about 30 seconds, then she'd be laughing," he said.

The 21-year-old Sierra Hall resident passed away Monday after being found unconscious on State University Drive West on Sunday evening.

Esmailpour's friends say she gave much of herself, both to her friends and to those she helped in her chosen field. A therapeutic recreation major, she worked for a private clinic for autistic children last summer, said Shimp.

She had planned to continue working with disabled children after graduation.

Esmailpour came to CSUS in January 1998 as a transfer student from Moorepark College.

Her family lives in Newbury Park, Calif. She is survived by her parents and two younger sisters.

A memorial service and mass for Caroline's family and friends will be held Thursday in Thousand Oaks at St. Pascal Baylon Church at 10 o'clock.