Teen’s ‘bullying suicide’ in Minnesota was likely heart failure instead: TV report
[Update: Medical Examiner determines Lundsten did not die from enlarged heart.]
Lance’s father called KSAX and said he received a call from the coroner saying Lance had an enlarged heart and died of a coronary edema. He said he believed it was not a suicide.
From a TV news station in Miltona, Minnesota, regarding the sudden death of 18-year-old Lance Lundsten. Though many early reports emerged labeling Lundsten’s death a suicide, that alleged cause of death has been put into doubt. It was also reported that some of his friends had set up Facebook memorial pages saying that the openly gay student had been bullied. No official cause of death has been determined and it may take a few weeks for toxicology tests to be completed. (KSAX)
”My heart goes out to Lance’s family, and friends and loved ones. It’s a tragic event, not only for them, but for the school, and the Alexandria community and really for all of us…. LGBT kids really do need (more) protection.”
US Senator Al Franken speaking about the death of Lance Lundsten on Monday before more details emerged about the case. Franken, apparently, backs a bill to prevent the bullying of LGBT teens. Apart from the cause of death, it is not clear from reports if Lundsten had been bullied at school for being gay. His situation has become a catalyst for more discussion, though. (KSAX)
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