TCU junior psychology major Alexis “Lexi” Rinicella died Wednesday in Houston at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center. She was 21 years old.

According to her obituary, she died “after a short illness.”  The TCU Frog Calls directory indicates that her permanent residence was Houston, Texas.

According to Tricia Bentley, Public Information Officer for the The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Rinicella's body was never brought in for examination, indicating a natural death. 

Rinicella transferred to TCU from Arizona State University. At the time of her death, she had been accepted to study psychology at the University of Westminster in London.

According to her obituary, a vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on June 24 at Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home in Houston, with visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on June 25 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Houston.

In lieu of flowers, Rinicella’s family requests that donations be made to either her high school, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, or to the St. Cecilia Catholic Church.

TCU Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kathy Cavins-Tull released a written statement about Rinicella’s death Friday.

“We are saddened by the loss of a valued member of our community and our thoughts and prayers are with Lexi’s family at this time,” Cavins-Tull wrote.

Cavins-Tull recommended the Brown-Lupton Counseling Center staff, Religious and Spiritual Life staff and Office of Campus Life staff for those who may be struggling in the grief process. The organizations are available by walk-in or appointment.