Bishop Eustace grad found dead inside York College of Pennsylvania dorm

A Gloucester County native and 2020 graduate of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School was found dead in his college dorm room on Oct. 8.

York College of Pennsylvania announced the death of 21-year-old Andrew Ruehlicke, a sports management major at the school and member of the men's soccer team.

York County Coroner Pamela L. Gay on Oct. 11 said the results of an autopsy are pending and "there was nothing suspicious about the death."

Ruehlicke, of Harrison Township, Gloucester County, was remembered as a "tremendous Spartan teammate" and "great student" by the York College community.

According to the college, Ruehlicke carried a 4.0 GPA and was a four-time member of the dean's list as a sports management major and finance minor.

"There are no words to describe the profound sorrow we feel as a community because of his passing," York College Dean of Student Development and Campus Life Richard Satterlee said of Ruehlicke in a statement. "Please keep Drew and his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."

Ruehlicke earned his first career start with the Spartans soccer team on Oct. 5, just days prior to his death, according to the college. He scored two goals this season while playing in 11 games in 2022. Ruehlicke amassed 25 career appearances for the York soccer team.

Bishop Eustace on Oct. 9 took to Facebook to mourn the loss of Ruehlicke.

"Our community is saddened to share the news of the passing of Andrew "Drew" Ruehlicke from the Class of 2020," the school said in a statement.

Bishop Eustace offered a mass in Ruehlicke's name and made counselors available for students.

"Please join us in extending prayerful condolences to the Ruehlicke family at this time of sorrow," Bishop Eustace's statement continued. "May our Heavenly Father bring them His peace, comfort, and light, as well as the hope of the resurrection."

Support poured in for Ruehlicke's family on Bishop Eustace's Facebook post. Many offered kind remembrances of Ruehlicke.

"This is heartbreaking. Drew was definitely one of the kindest most respectful kids I know. My prayers to the family," Sandy Prochilo Bonomo commented on Bishop Eustace's post.

"Very saddened of this news. Drew was such a wonderful and polite young man and great student. I pray for peace to the family and for God's strength during this difficult time," BJ Jarrett said under the post.

According to Gay, the coroner's office responded to the York College dormitory building in the 900 block of South Richland Avenue at 10:08 a.m. on Oct. 8 for a reported death of a male student.

Spring Garden Township Police Department is the investigating agency, according to the report.

York postponed its scheduled match against Mary Washington Oct. 8 in the wake of Ruehlicke's death.

A South Jersey native, Anthony Coppola has handled a variety of beats at The Daily Journal, Courier-Post and Burlington County Times, including award-winning work in sports and business coverage. Coppola, who joined the staff in 2008, now focuses on public safety enterprise reporting.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Bishop Eustace grad, 21, found dead inside York College dorm