Very sad news tonight: Tara Riesner, a third-year MFA student in the School of Arts Writing Program, passed away last night, according to an email sent to School of Arts students by the SOA administration. The cause of her death was not revealed. Emails sent to SOA students indicate that Tara passed away in a Columbia residence. We send our deepest condolences to Tara’s family and friends, and we all mourn this loss to the Columbia community. We’ll provide updates and information about a memorial service as we learn more.

Update, 9/9: Spec is reporting that the death was a suicide. We’ll update as we learn more.