University of Wisconsin-Madison freshman Cassidy Fritsch died suddenly Wednesday morning in Aldo Leopold Residence Hall, according to a university release.
Fritsch, originally from Brookfield, Ill., was a member of the GreenHouse Residential Learning Community in Aldo Leopold Hall as well as a member of the Veterinary Science Club.
Additionally, Fritsch played numerous instruments, including the oboe, piano and bass. In her short time on campus, she joined the All-University String Orchestra to play bass.
During her time in the orchestra, Fritsch got to know Janet Jensen, associate director of the School of Music and professor of string pedagogy, fairly well. Jensen said she was “looking forward” to working with Fritsch.
“She was an accomplished musician; she came up to any musical standard,” Jensen said. “She was very pleased about playing in a chamber group and had written how excited she was.”
UW-Madison Dean of Students Lori Berquam said Fritsch’s death is a “significant loss” to Aldo Leopold, the GreenHouse Learning Community and the campus community.
UW-Madison students and staff who are in need of counseling should contact University Health Services. UHS offers drop-in counseling hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can also call the 24-hour UHS crisis line at 608-265-5600, option 9.
Memorial services will take place Oct. 13 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Oct. 14 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home in Brookfield, Ill. A funeral service will also take place following the second memorial service Oct. 14 at 9:30 a.m., followed by mass at 10 a.m. at St. Louise de Marillac Church in La Grange Park, Ill.
