EAST PROVIDENCE — An East Providence High School female student died suddenly and unexpected Wednesday morning, Oct. 4, prior to the start of classes, leaving her peers and especially those close to her stunned and saddened.

Flags on the EPHS Pawtucket Avenue campus flew at half staff Thursday, Oct. 5, as students returned to school following the news that sophomore C'Anna Ramirez was found in her home unresponsive by family.

Grief counselors were on site both days for what was deemed a "very somber" sentiment around the school as news spread the last 24-48 hours.

District Athletic Director Alex Butler led the overflow crowd at the Thursday night East Providence-Mt. Pleasant football game at Townie Stadium through a moment of silence in memory of Ramirez. EPHS Bill Black escorted members of the Ramirez family near midfield for the ceremony.

Black later said he did not know Ramirez well. He said she went through Riverside Middle School. The young woman was not an athlete or involved in any formal clubs. He did say, however, that "she had a very tight-knit group of friends that are really shaken up right now...the whole school is."

Asked if he knew if Ramirez was ill or had any medical condition, Black said he did not. He did say that police have so far ruled out personal injury as the cause of death, though the situation is still being investigated.