The details of a life emerged Friday of a 20-year-old student who aspired to work in foreign policy but whose body was discovered in a Whittier College dorm in a case authorities aren't sure how she died but don't suspect foul play.
Margo Latif, of Hawaii, was identified as the student who was found dead in her Whittier College dorm room on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
Described as an "upbeat young woman," she emphasized how important it was to give back to the world she was so deeply concerned about, college officials said in a statement released Friday.
Latif was a sophomore political science major and was known as an "enthusiastic student," said Whittier College spokeswoman Patricia Zurita.
"Margo loved learning and it was a delight to have her in my class and in my mentor group," said Laura McEnaney, history professor and Latif's first-year advisor. "She loved Whittier and I will miss her enthusiasm."
An active member of the Whittier College's community, Latif was a member of many clubs on campus: the Metaphonian society, Hawaiian Islander Club, the Food Recovery Network, and was a high school mentor with the college's Center for Engagement with Communities.
"Margo was a bright young woman with tremendous promise," said Sharon Herzberger, president of Whittier College. "I have heard so many stories over the last day about her smile, her leadership qualities, and her desire to help others.Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family, her friends, staff, and the faculty who came to know her well."
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Latif's body showed signs of decomposition but it was unknown how long she had been dead, according to the coroner's office and Whittier police.
The cause of death will be determined by an autopsy and the coroner's office will also conduct toxicology tests to determine if drugs or alcohol played a role in her death, Whittier Police Department Officer John Scoggins said.
