Tributes pour in after MN Supreme Court justice's daughter found dead
Credit: Chutich family
College students and U.S. lawmakers alike are expressing sympathy for the family of Olivia Chutich, the Iowa State University who died suddenly on Friday.
The 21-year-old, daughter of Minnesota State Supreme Court Justice Margaret Chutich and Allina Health CEO Dr. Penny Wheeler, was found unresponsive in a parking lot outside a sorority house and subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
As the investigation into her death gets underway, tributes are flooding social media. An Instagram post from her sorority sisters at Delta Delta Delta says the chapter is "heartbroken" over Chutich's death, with several members sharing memories about her in the comments:
"We know the days and weeks ahead will be difficult, but we will always remember Olivia’s contagious laugh, bubbly personality and positive outlook on life," the post says. "She lit up every room she walked into and made an impact on every single person she met. We are grateful to have been a part of her beautiful life and to have shared a special bond of friendship with her."
Meanwhile, Sen. Amy Klobuchar also paid her respects, tweeting that her "heart aches" for the student's parents:
Rep. Dean Phillips, who represents Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District, tweeted the following in response to the news:
According to the Ames Tribune, police say Chutich was "last seen late the night before and believe she had been lying in the parking lot for several hours before she was found," though they do not suspect foul play.
The paper says Chutich was a junior in communications studies.
Her parents issued the following statement following her death Friday:
"It is with great sadness that we confirm that we confirm that Olivia Chutich, our beloved daughter, died in Ames, Iowa. Olivia was the light of our lives. We ask for privacy as we grieve this unimaginable loss. Thank you."
