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Orlando (EON) – The University of Southern Florida has confirmed that a student has died due to a suspected case of bacterial meningitis.

19-year-old Rachel Futterman got sick last Friday and was sent to the hospital on Saturday where she never left.

Dr. Egilda Torenzi stated that bacterial meningitis is a devastating disease and that the death is a horrible loss.

He stated that “It’s a terrible loss to her family. It’s a terrible loss to the university.” Torenzi is with the USF student health services.

A memorial service was planned for Monday evening at the M-L-K plaza on the Tampa Campus of USF and drew many students and faculty in what was a night of mourning and remembrance.

Dozens of students who were in direct contact with her are now on heavy antibiotics.