Western Kentucky University Student Dies From Injuries Suffered in Fire

May 8, 2003
A university student died Wednesday night of injuries she suffered early Sunday in an intentionally set fire at a dormitory.
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) -- A university student died Wednesday night of injuries she suffered early Sunday in an intentionally set fire at a dormitory.

Katie Autry, a freshman from Pellville, died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., Western Kentucky University said in a statement.

The 18-year-old died as about 150 students gathered at the bell tower on campus to pray for her, the Daily News of Bowling Green reported on its Web site.

Autry had suffered third-degree burns, as well as abrasions and puncture wounds on her neck and face. Police said the fire had been set but would offer no other details, saying it could compromise their investigation.

Earlier Wednesday, university officials pleaded for help in finding whoever set the fire at Poland Hall.

``We have no specific suspects, but everyone is being looked at this point,'' said Bob Edwards, vice president of university affairs.

The fire started in Autry's room, which was locked, university spokesman Bob Skipper said. He has said the incident did not appear to be a suicide attempt.

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