NEW BRUNSWICK: Foul play ruled out in East Windsor student’s death

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
   NEW BRUNSWICK — Rutgers University officials have ruled out foul play in the death of a freshman student from East Windsor who was found dead in his dorm room Friday, according to officials.
   ”The Hightstown High School community is deeply saddened by his death,” said Hightstown High School Principal Alix Arvizu in an email Monday.
   He said, “Our heartfelt condolences go to his parents and family. It is not in the natural order of things for any parent to have to bury their child. We can’t think of a more devastating turn of events for a parent.”
   Andrew Gottfried, 19, of East Windsor, was found dead shortly after 9 a.m. Friday in his dorm in Perry Hall on Rutgers Cook Campus.
   ”Rutgers Police, EMS and EMTs responded and made attempts to revive Mr. Gottfried,” said Greg Trevor, senior director of media relations in an email Monday.
   ”He was pronounced deceased at about 9:20 a.m., and an autopsy is pending,” Mr. Trevor added.
   A friend, Collin Hurler, of East Windsor, who played soccer with Mr. Gottfried, told the Herald Monday, “On and off the field, he was always an amazing friend and an awesome kid. He never failed to brighten anyone’s day. He was always a happy-go-lucky kid, and it was impossible to wipe the smile off his face.”
   Tim Kalick, of Cherry Hill, was Mr. Gottfried’s high school soccer coach.
   ”Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names,” Mr. Kalick said Tuesday. “Let’s keep Andrew’s great heart and awesome smile going forever. He was a hardworking kid on and off the field.”
   He added, “We shared many good times and bad times together and tried to direct him in the right direction. His name will be a part of Hightstown soccer for a long time.”
   According to Mr. Hurler, Mr. Gottfried — in some way — had a connection and a lasting impact with everyone at the high school.
   ”It seems everyone who is currently attending or went to HHS had some sort of relationship with Andrew, and I think there’s something to be said for that,” Mr. Hurler said. “Everyone is feeling the pain of losing such a great kid, especially because he was only a kid. We will all miss him very much, and our hearts go out to his family.”
   His best friend, Marissa Moffler, of East Windsor, agreed about the impact Mr. Gottfried had on everyone.
   ”Andrew was the nicest, sweetest guy anyone has ever met,” Ms. Moffler said. “He impacted hundreds of peoples lives for the better, and we all don’t know what to do without him.”
   She added, “Without him in my life, a lot will change.”
   The news of Mr. Gottfried’s death came as a surprise and a shock to many ore who knew him.
   ”It was a complete shock that he had passed,” Ms. Moffler said. “When I got the news, I thought I was dreaming. None of this seems real at all.”
   She added, “Only the good die young. May you forever rest in peace my ‘friend, friend.’ I love you.”
   Former classmate Domonique Jarrett, of Hightstown, recalled the last moment she spent with Mr. Gottfried during their practice for graduation in June.
   ”Graduation was the last moment and the last time I saw him,” Ms. Jarrett said. “When we were practicing for graduation, our class was taking pictures together, and I wanted to take a picture with him.”
   She added, “I wish Andrew and I did share more memories together because just that short time together was great. He was fun to hang with and outgoing. He never bothered anyone and didn’t mind anything, especially if you asked.
   She continued, “His laughter made you laugh, and his smile made you smile. He also made you feel good inside with every conversation you had with him.
   ”Still to this day, I don’t want to believe that my classmate has passed away. It breaks my heart every time I think about it.”
   According to Mr. Trevor, the Rutgers University Police Department is investigating the death.
   Mr. Gottfried was enrolled in the School of Arts and Sciences as a pre-business major.
   Calling hours will be held tonight (March 21) from 4 to 7 p.m. followed by services at 7 p.m. at the Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home, 202 Stockton St., Hightstown.