Anorexia To Blame For Student Death

She died of anorexia.

That's the official conclusion on the 19 year old Wayne State student who was found dead on campus Saturday.

19 year old Hilary Pile's family says she was a bright, artistic young woman who was valedictorian of her high school and a pre med student in college.

But they also say she suffered from anorexia.

Now experts at UNL say the death of Hilary only reminds us of the dangers and issues people face with the disorder.

You could consider former UNL student Christine Kroupa as fortunate.

As a freshman in college an eating disorder took over her life.

Obsessed with calories, working out and the stress of school.

It was a friend that made the phone call she so desperately needed.

“She called my mom and said, here are some unhealthy things, she used to be really sociable, she's not anymore,” Kroupa said. 

But not everyone is as fortunate.

19 year old Hilary Pile was found dead in her dormitory at Wayne State College over the weekend.

It was anorexia, the disease that her family says she battled for years that took her life.

“Of course on a college campus where you have students trying to find themselves you will have people struggling with weight and body image,” UNL Counselor Charlie Foster said. 

The University Health Center says at UNL they work hard to reach everyone they can.

Through multi disciplinary teams of counselors, nutritionists and physicians they hope to put an end to the deadliest mental health disorder they treat.

UNL also has outreach groups such as “Shine” that provide awareness and information students need to help promote healthy body images.

“Eating disorders are too big to sit with by yourself you don't need to be alone with it,” Foster said.

But they say it's hard to reach everyone, especially those who don't want help or don't realize they need it.

That's why it's up friends and family to get people like Christine the help they need.

“It's okay to say you need help. It is scary but it's worth it, nothing good in life comes easy.”

Funeral services were held in Norfolk today for Hilary Pile…

If you would like more information on the University Health Center and their counseling services you can log onto www.edap.org, or www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or www.anad.org. You can also call Couseling and Psychological Services at the University Health Center at 472 7450 or log onto www.unl.edu/health/caps