It was Ariane Noelle Patterson’s 21st birthday, and she was grateful to be alive. The Gardner-Webb University student took to her Twitter account on Jan. 17 and posted the message: “Thank you God for another year of life.” Hours later, she collapsed during a religion class and was rushed to nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the Associated Press reports. The senior at the North Carolina Christian college was originally from Delaware and majored in religious studies, the Shelby Star reports.

The university released the following statement on its Facebook page: We are deeply saddened and in shock by this monumental loss. We pray for Ariane’s family and friends during this difficult time . . .

Another peer acknowledged he had never met Patterson in person, but recalls her cheerful character: Her presence on the quad and at certain events I attended was joyous and positive . . . I bet she got the greatest birthday present of all-time. To make it to heaven with our heavenly father.

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