Cassandra Anne Gacek, sophomore in undeclared sciences & math, was found dead at her Toomer Street apartment Thursday, March 28.
According to a report from the Lee County Coroner, Auburn Police, Auburn Fire and East Alabama Medical Center EMS received a 911 call Thursday, March 28, at 7:14 p.m. concerning an unresponsive female on Toomer Street.
Chief Deputy Coroner Gene Manning pronounced Gacek dead at the scene at 8:15 p.m.
According to the report, Gacek had a past medical history of seizures.
Capt. Tom Stofer of Auburn Police confirmed that no foul play, alcohol or other substances are suspected to be a factor in her death.
The Auburn Police, Lee County Coroner, and Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences are continuing the investigation.
Gacek, 20, was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, resident of Mobile and a 2011 graduate of St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile.
News of Gacek's death spread quickly on social media and her Facebook page received an outpouring of support from family and friends in the days after her passing.
Jordan Kirkland, president of Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) sorority, said that many members called Gacek a dear friend.
Kirkland said Gacek had a great interest in fashion and enjoyed camping and hiking in her free time away from pursuing a career in physical therapy.
Kirkland and members of KKG expressed their joy at having her as a sister and how much she is already missed.
"Though she was only a sophomore, Cassandra made such great contributions to our chapter and its members," Kirkland said. "Her close friends have called her intelligent and spontaneous with a striking beauty and a compassionate heart. She is already dearly missed by the members of Kappa Kappa Gamma."
Faculty from St. Paul's Episcopal School also had fond memories of Gacek.
Julie Kogon taught Cassandra art at St. Paul's and remembers her giving heart and creative soul.
"When she advanced to an upper level art class, she printed a linoleum block picture of a dog," Kogon said. "It reminded me so much of my son's dog, that I asked if she had a spare print that I could give to him. She complied with a smile and didn't want any compensation."
Jill Drum taught Gacek physics her junior year and remembers her being intelligent and possessing a great work ethic, but most of all, kind.
Drum thought of Gacek as a model for how she wanted her daughters to flourish in high school and socialize with the right crowd.
"She was part of a very special group of friends," said Drum. "These girls were so good to one another and such fun to talk to. Being the mom of two daughters I often found myself hoping that my girls would find a group of friends like these to help them navigate through the perils of high school."
Julie Albrecht had Cassandra in her 11th grade United States History class and agreed with Drum's assertions of Gacek's strong work ethic and willingness to learn and succeed.
"You could always count on Cassandra to get the job done and get the job done thoroughly and correctly," said Albrecht.
Albrecht also described Gacek as an elegant young woman, whose "luminous eyes and a dazzling smile" brightened the halls of St. Paul's.
"Her calm demeanor and kind, respectful treatment of others reflected a young woman of impeccable character," Albrecht said.
Gacek was fond of tie-dying, exploring and conquering new lands, climbing trees, trips and photography.
Gacek is survived by her parents, Mark and Pamela, sister Marissa, two brothers, Michael and Markie and her twin brother, Peter.
Viewing is Friday, April 5, from 5 - 8 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street in Mobile.
A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
