Local

University of Central Florida student from Jacksonville found dead in on-campus residence

ORLANDO, Fla. — A University of Central Florida student from Jacksonville was found dead in her on-campus residence Tuesday morning.

Alyssa Michelle Lewis, 19, was found unresponsive in her room in the Lake Claire apartments by family members who had been unable to reach her, according to a release from UCF. The family called 911 around 10:35 a.m.

UCF police and the Orange County Sheriff's Office are investigating Lewis's death. At this time, investigators do not believe her death is suspicious, and there is not a threat to the campus.

Classes at UCF concluded on Saturday, and residence halls closed for most students on Sunday. Lewis's roommates had already checked out by Sunday. Lewis was in her fourth semester at UCF.

Lewis's father Bill remembered the happy times he had with his daughter.

"We'll miss her. It's just surreal. This is the last thing I expected today," he said.

Bill Lewis said his daughter had a great freshman year and sophomore year at UCF. He said his daughter was having some medical irregularities and Lewis's mom was heading to UCF to take her to a doctor to figure out what was going on.

“Got down there this morning, opened up the door and found her passed away,” Lewis said.

Bill Lewis said his daughter went to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts for high school and was involved in dance while she was there. She also grew up playing soccer, softball and was in a bowling league.

“I’ve gotten phone calls blowing up my phone with friends from there, text messages, it's shocking,” Lewis said.

Counselors are available to talk with any students who need assistance. Counseling Services can be reached at 407-823-2811, and more information about those free services is available by clicking here.