Crime & Safety

UNH Cheerleader Dies of Apparent Overdose at Concert

Officials said Rotondo died after apparently overdosing on MDMA.

By Jason Claffey


University of New Hampshire student Olivia Rotondo died of an apparent drug overdose Saturday after attending an electronic music festival in New York.

Rotondo, 20, of Providence, R.I., died after she likely overdosed on MDMA—also known as Ecstasy or molly, officials told the New York Times.

Rotondo had attended the Electric Zoo festival.

“She was the nicest girl I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing,” a friend told the Times.

Rotondo was a cheerleader at UNH.

A 23-year-old man from New York who attended the festival also died of an apparent MDMA overdose, the Times reported.

Festival officials released the following statement on Rotondo's death: 

"The founders of Electric Zoo send our deepest condolences to the families of the two people who passed away this weekend."

UNH also released a statement on Rotondo's death:

"University of New Hampshire officials were greatly saddened to learn of the recent death of Olivia Rotondo, a junior from Rhode Island. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends during this difficult time, and are focused on providing support and resources to our campus community."

Last week, a Plymouth State University student died of a suspected MDMA overdose.

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