A 21-year-old university student described as the 'happiest soul' has tragically died after falling from a building. Leesha Agarwal, who was a third year student at Lancaster University, was due to celebrate her 22nd birthday in just a few weeks time before her sudden death.
The 'promising' psychology student died on the afternoon of Sunday, April 2 after falling from the third floor of a building in St John's Mews in Lancaster city centre. Leesha was a member of the university's Cartmel College and her death has since been described by the university as 'a terrible shock and dreadful loss'.
Tributes have since been paid to Leesha with her friends and fellow student speaking of their sadness in an online book of condolence opened by the university. Padraic Monaghan, Professor of Cognition in the Department of Psychology at Lancaster University, described Leesha as a "wonderful student", reports LancsLive.
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The Professor added: "She will be deeply missed. She was positive and enthusiastic about her subject, and was a valued presence in classes, where she was always engaged with what was going on.
"We were looking forward to her finishing her studies, and going on to a masters course, and I am so sad that she won't be doing that. My sincerest condolences to her family."
One of Leesha's roommates, Xiaofan Zeng, wrote: "Leesha made me feel warm and she helped me a lot in the past. She is kind and will lend a helping hand to those in need promptly. I am saddened by her departure. Her voice and expression will live in my memory, I will always be grateful and miss her."
Another fellow student added: "I frequently saw you multiple times in lectures and we have chatted a couple times. Though I didn't know you extremely well, it is still so shocking that someone so young and vibrant is now gone. I hope you are at peace and all my thoughts are with your family."
Vanshika wrote: "Leesha was the happiest soul I met. I spent time with her whenever I came to Lancaster. She was an amazing person and a support system for so many people. This is so sudden and I still cannot process it. May her soul rest in peace and my condolences to her family. You will be missed Leesha."
Lancaster University has since paid fresh tributes to Leesha.
A spokesperson said: "Leesha’s death comes as a dreadful shock to all who knew her and the University passes on sincere condolences to Leesha’s family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.
"Leesha, who was living off campus in private halls in Lancaster, was a Cartmel college student and involved in several student societies. We encourage anyone affected by this sad news to please reach out, to talk and to access support. When the time is right we will want to come together to pay a fitting tribute to remember Leesha."
An inquest into Leesha's death was opened on Thursday (April 13) at Preston Coroner's Court. Area Coroner Richard Taylor described the brief circumstances and said: "There were no mental health issues and it is believed she fell from a third floor of a building."
A final inquest will be held in Preston on July 11.
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