WICHITA, Kan. — A first-year student-athlete has been found dead in her dorm room at Newman University over the weekend, leaving the campus community mourning her unexpected loss.
According to the university, 18-year-old McKenzie Rohr, who was part of Newman’s newly established track and field team, was discovered in her room by another resident on Sunday.
Emergency responders were called to the scene, where Rohr was pronounced dead.
The Sedgwick County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that it was working to establish the cause of death.
Newman University President Kathleen Jagger said there was no indication of suicide and confirmed that an investigation was underway. She also acknowledged that the university did not yet have all the details surrounding Rohr’s death.
“It’s just a tragedy. And whenever you lose a young person, no matter the age, you know it seems premature, and no one’s ready for it,” Jagger said.
First-year student Vincent Cuhlman remembered Rohr as someone who took both her education and athletics seriously. He also said she was well-liked by those who knew her.
“A lot of people knew her as a good friend to be around,” he said.
University Community Remembers McKenzie Rohr
As students and staff struggled to process the news, a candle was lit inside the university chapel in Rohr’s memory.
The university also arranged additional support for students, including access to more therapists and religious resources for anyone who needed help coping with the loss.
For many students, the news was difficult to understand.
“It’s a big change, and it’s a lot to unpack,” second-year Newman student Ba Nguyen said. “That’s why it’s really necessary to talk to people about it.”
Newman University confirmed that a memorial service honoring Rohr was scheduled for Wednesday evening.
President Jagger also asked the university community to keep Rohr’s family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, students, faculty, and staff are remembering a young athlete whose life ended far too soon.
