a day ago
Cal Poly student's death ruled a suicide, SLO County coroner's report says
Editor's note: This story mentions suicide.
The death of third-year Cal Poly student and sorority member Christina DeChalk has been ruled a suicide, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's-Coroner's Office said Friday.
According to a coroner's report provided to The Tribune on Friday morning, an autopsy confirmed she died from an overdose of medications.
According to the report, DeChalk's roommates called 911 on Jan. 26 after finding her unresponsive.
When the Sheriff-Coroner's Office arrived, Deputy B. Geremia found she was dead with no signs of foul play, according to the report. Her family was notified soon after the Sheriff-Coroner's Office arrived on the scene.
DeChalk was the fifth Cal Poly student to die within a year, The Tribune reported in January.
She was also the second member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority to die within that same year, after Sofia Padoan, who was the president of the sorority, died from a brain aneurysm in February 2024.
DeChalk was remembered by the sorority on Instagram as an incredible friend. A vigil was held on Feb. 4.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 988. You can also call the Central Coast Hotline at 800-783-0607 for 24-7 assistance. To learn the warning signs of suicide, visit
