Shanice Clark, a senior at California University of Pennsylvania, died from sickle cell trait, a blood cell disorder that usually does not show symptoms and in very rare cases can lead to sudden death, — not choking on chewing gum according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
Clark, 21, was found in her dorm around 3 a.m. on Jan. 18 and pronounced dead an hour later.
Police initially said she had died by inhaling gum in her sleep, although they noted that blood tests and an autopsy were pending.
Initial reports indicated that Ms. Clark died after choking on gum in her sleep, but the coroner’s new revelations were announced Monday as her teammates prepared to play in the NCAA Division II Sweet 16.
A child who inherits sickle cell from one parent has the trait. A child who inherits it from both parents has the disease. It is not known whether Ms. Clark was aware she had sickle cell trait, and her family could not be reached for comment.
Sickle cell trait, which is different from sickle cell disease, is rarely deadly, according to Mark Gladwin, director of the Vascular Medicine Institute of the University of Pittsburgh.
Clark’s team released a video tribute to her on Monday. The Vulcans are one of three finalists for Russell Athletic’s “Together We R” award for women’s basketball teams that overcame unexpected adversity during their season.