Former University student Jacqueline Rudzinski died Feb. 11 as a result of injuries she suffered after a 25-foot fall from a nightclub balcony in Ybor City, Fla.

Rudzinski, 21, was with her friends on Feb. 5 when she fell from the Lotus Ultra Lounge’s second story balcony. She suffered injuries to the head and was admitted to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition until she died.

Rudzinski attended Rantoul Township High School and, following her graduation in 2001, entered the University.

In February 2004 Rudzinski left the University and moved to Florida to live with a cousin and enrolled at Hillsboro Community College. She was also teaching lessons at Jeannes Swim School in Tampa.

She was a member of the women’s rugby team during her years at the University.

“She was the first girl I met on the Rugby team,” said Jen Chaplin, senior in engineering and Rudzinski’s former teammate. “She always made me feel welcome and included.”

Chaplin remembers her as “selfless, always smiling and hardworking.”

Tia Booker, former University student and friend of Rudzinski, agreed.

“She was funny, smiling, enjoyed fixing people up and introducing people,” Booker said. “She was full of life and it (the accident) is a tragedy.”

Rudzinski is survived by her father Michael, her stepmother Natalie, four brothers and one sister. She is preceded in death by her mother Bonita.

A funeral mass was held for Rudzinski at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Rantoul, Ill., on Feb. 19. Memorial donations can be made to the Tampa General Hospital Foundation.