Parents of student who died from allergic reaction in residence hall sue CSU

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (KDVR) — It’s been two years since a freshman died in her residence hall at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, but the parents of 18-year-old Sydney Meegan are now filing a lawsuit against the university.

Meegan was just starting her college career in October 2022 when her life was cut short. It’s believed she suffered from an allergic reaction to a certain milk protein, but her parents are still wondering how something like this could have happened.

Ramos Law, the firm representing the family, just recently filed the suit. The family isn’t seeking money, they just want answers.

Family attorney and medical doctor Joe Ramos spoke about what could have been for 18-year-old and then-CSU freshman, “who goes away to college excited, healthy, happy and then she dies.”

Ramos said that Meegan, a Chatfield High School graduate, may have been unknowingly exposed to the milk protein.

“We believe there were drugs being sold on campus, in the dorms. All the drugs may have been laced with a protein powder,” Ramos said. “Sydney was unknowingly exposed to something that had the milk proteins in it. She had the milk allergy.”

Ramos says the initial call made by a resident assistant was made to a non-emergency line, and dispatch was delayed in getting an emergency response to the dorm.

The coroner’s office ruled that the manner of death was accidental, while the cause of death was anaphylaxis reaction.

“The question in your mind: Why did this happen? Imagine losing your daughter. The first thing that comes to your mind: Why? When the answer you get is she had an allergy — that’s not good enough,” Ramos said.

Ramos’ filings of Colorado Open Records Act requests have not yielded much more information.

The family, still searching for answers, on why their eldest daughter is not in the midst of her junior year, making memories.

“As a student, to be able to make your parents proud by graduating: That should be the phase of life Sydney is entering right now,” Ramos said. “Unfortunately, now we’re left with a bunch of unanswered questions.”

CSU provided FOX31 with the following statement on the lawsuit.

“Sydney Meegan’s death was a tragic medical event, and our hearts continue to go out to her family. CSU and its employees were not responsible for her passing, which will be addressed through the legal process,” the university stated.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.