Doctor: Bacterial infection killed UCF student

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities say they now know what killed a University of Central Florida freshman found unresponsive by her roommates after a fraternity party.

The Orange-Osceola chief medical examiner, Jan Garavaglia, said Friday that Ann Hefferin died of sepsis syndrome, a rare but serious bacterial infection.

Garavaglia also said caffeine, an ingredient in over-the-counter painkillers and a trace amount of alcohol were detected in her bloodstream.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Garavaglia said it's unclear how Hefferin became ill.

The 18-year-old Maitland student was found unconscious in August in her on-campus apartment. She died at a hospital.

The university put Hefferin's sorority and the fraternity that hosted the party on probation for not preventing underage drinking.

UCF students voted last week for a policy encouraging students to report alcohol-related emergencies.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)