Natasha Vaduthala, a recent graduate, died suddenly on Monday. She was only 19 years old.
Vaduthala graduated in 2010 and was currently studying at the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions at St. John's University to be a physicians assistant.
A friend of the family said Vaduthala, who ran cross country track when she was a Ram, had gone out for a run the night she died. When she returned home, she laid down but never woke up. Her death has been attributed to cardiomayopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes enlarged, thick, or rigid and can lead to heart failure, according to the National Heart Blood and Lung Institute.
"I was so shocked to hear of the unexpected loss of Natasha," Professor Stacey Leshinsky, a faculty advisor at St. John’s University for the Physician Assistant Association, wrote on Vaduthala's online memorial page. "She was such a devoted, loving young lady. I will forever treasure the memories and time I spent with her in the Physician Assistant Association."
Fellow student Narish Zubair described Natasha as "an amazing friend and classmate who brought about only smiles and laughter anywhere she went,"" adding, "I will treasure every moment spent with her and will miss seeing her smile everyday. She will remain a part of our Physician Assistant family."
Vaduthala was one of West Hempstead's brightest. She was an honor roll student, a member of the Science Olympiad team and as a junior, she was one of only four students to compete in the 2010 Long Island Science and Engineering Fair.
West Hempstead resident Daniel Boehm, writing on behalf of his entire family, stated, "Her sweet nature will shine forever in the memories of anyone who knew her."
A wake will held on Friday, June 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.at Park Funeral Home Chapel located at 2175 Jericho Turnpike in Garden City Park. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at (also known as St. Thomas the Apostle Chapel) located at 875 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead. Internment will follow at Nassau Knolls Cemetery (500 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington).
St. John's University asks that expressions of sympathy be sent to:
The Family of Natasha Vaduthala
c/o Dr. Pamela Shea-Byrnes
University Ministry, Newman Hall – Room 229, 8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439
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