Community Corner

UPDATED: NIU Freshman From Palatine Found Dead

David R. Bogenberger, 19, who was a 2012 Palatine High School graduate, was found dead in his off campus fraternity house early this morning. The Northern Illinois University posted a statement on their website and have offered counseling to those affec

Palatine native David R. Bogenberger, 19, was pronounced dead on Friday, November 2 after being found unresponsive in his off-campus fraternity house at Northern Illinois University, according to DeKalb police.

An emergency call came in at 10:14 a.m. stating Bogenberger was found unresponsive at the Pi Kappy Alpha fraternity.

DeKalb Fire Department paramedics were unable to resuscitate him, and he was pronounced dead by the DeKalb County Coroner at 10:45 a.m. 

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Northern Illinois University posted a statement on their website Friday from from NIU President John G. Peters, addressing the loss of Bogenberger: 

Our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family and friends as they cope with this difficult loss. Please know that your grief is shared collectively by the NIU community.

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Meetings have been held during the day with student leaders and student organizations, and the NIU Counseling and Student Development Center is providing support services to friends, acquaintances and others who may be affected by David’s passing.

An autopsy is planned for today, according to DeKalb police.

Sgt. Jim McDougall said there were no suspicious circumstances that would point to foul play in Bogenberger's death, and toxicology tests are pending and the results could take weeks. 

Bogenberger was a 2012 graduate of Palatine High School, but his family had recently moved to Florida. He is survived by his father Gary L. and mother Ruth A. Bogenberger, by his older brother Matthew, triplet sister and brother Megan and Alex, and younger sister Amy. 

The DeKalb Police Department continues in conjunction with the DeKalb County Coroner’s Office and Northern Illinois University.



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