FSU Student Dies During Excursion In Israel
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A 20-year old Florida State University student died during an excursion in Jerusalem.
Briana McHam of Pompano Beach was found dead after an excursion to Masada, an ancient fortification in southern Israel located at the top of a rock plateau.
When McHam made the hike in Masada temperatures had reached 104 degrees.
Florida State officials say McHam was with two companions who made it down safely. Somehow they say while McHam was alone on the trail, she wandered off the main path and was found unconscious in a ravine.
Once paramedics reached her, she could not be revived.
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Her family consented to an autopsy being performed in Israel to determine an exact cause of death.
Program officials said they are working closely with Israeli law enforcement to investigate her death.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students, who was at the beginning of a life of discovery broadening her horizons," said Dr. James Pitts, director of International Programs. "Our hearts go out to her family, and we will assist them in any way we can, as well as other FSU students who might be affected during this difficult time."
McHam graduated in 2012 from Pompano Beach High School. She had a passion for criminology. It's what led her to study Criminal Law at Florida State University.
"There wasn't anything that she wasn't interested in or involved in and she found her passion really in studying criminal justice. That's what she intended to major in," said her former teacher Nicole Hanna.
It was one of the reasons she traveled to Israel this summer, enrolled in a program that emphasized criminal matters.
Her classmates are mourning the dimming of a bright light.
"From this high school which is incredible to a college where all your opportunities are ahead of you, it's just so sad to think that those are behind her now," said former classmate Carleigh Mcfarlane.
A guidance counselor said McHam's ambition was to go to law school.
Former classmates said news of McHam's death hit Facebook and caused and outpouring of sympathy for McHam's family.
"It could be anyone of us. It's so horribly sad," said former classmate Lily Britt.
Among those writing messages on Facebook was a relative of McHam.
"Please pray for my aunt because she has lost her only child," she posted.
Florida State officials said they are working with Israeli authorities to have her body returned to her home in Pompano Beach.
