Students at York University are trying to come to terms with the unexpected death of a talented friend who died in her sleep at her hall of residence.

Joanna Foord, 19, originally from Whitby, was found dead in Eden's Court at York University last Saturday.

The first-year student had recently started a course in English literature and the history of art, after transferring from a technology course in Bradford.

She had gained excellent grades at schools and colleges in the Whitby area.

A post-mortem examination showed Joanna had died from natural causes. Yesterday her parents travelled from Whitby to meet Joanna's friends and talk to them about what had happened.

A spokesman for the university said: "She was a very talented student and this is desperately sad.

"Everyone in her department is still trying to come to terms with what happened."

Allen Warren, provost of Vanbrugh College, where Joanna was a student, said: "She was an independent-minded girl and obviously very talented. She had formed a wide circle of friends and fitted in well at the university."

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