First-year chemistry student identified after being found dead in USC apartment

A freshman student at the University of South Carolina, died in apartment Tuesday, officials confirmed.

Eliana “Ellie” Peterson was a first-year student from Sumter majoring in chemistry, USC spokesman Jeff Stensland said. Her death was reported at 650 Lincoln, a university-affiliated apartment building.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Ellie’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Stensland said in a statement. “Our Student Affairs team is working to provide support to those impacted and services are available to any member of our campus community affected by this tragedy.”

Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford identified Peterson, but did not give a cause of death.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was requested by the USC Police Department and is the lead agency on the case.

The investigation remains active as of Wednesday afternoon. Further details will be released as they become available, SLED said in a statement. There is no threat to campus, Stensland said.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.