Preliminary reports show that a Northwest Missouri State University student died Monday of natural causes.

Britnee Baldridge, 20, a 2007 graduate of Maysville High School, was found in her residence hall room at the West Tower Suites around 2 p.m. Monday. Nodaway County Coroner Dr. Vince Shelby said the preliminary autopsy report points to natural causes as the cause of death.

"For a final, definite report, they're still waiting on laboratory results to come back," Dr Shelby said. The cause of death is being investigated by the Jackson County medical examiner's office, which carried out the autopsy.

Northwest officials had the mental health of students in mind Monday night as news of the death spread across campus. About 95 students gathered on campus at 9:30 p.m. and shared their feelings and stories about Ms. Baldridge. Northwest counselors were on hand Monday night, and continue to be available to students seeking guidance.

"We're giving the students an opportunity to work through the grieving process," said Dr. Jackie Elliot, vice president of student affairs. "The focus is now on our students - how we can get them through this."

Dr. Elliot, who knew Ms. Baldridge, said she could "bring a smile to anyone's face when she walked into a room."

Friends of Ms. Baldridge set up a Facebook group page dedicated to her memory (R.I.P. Britnee Baldridge). As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 300 people had joined the group. About 30 had posted their thoughts and condolences.

Jimmy Myers can be reached at jimmym@npgco.com