Heartbreaking last Facebook message of student who committed suicide

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The body of Laura Gerstel, 20, a third-year biochemistry student at York University, was found by police in the early hours of Monday morning at a residence in Fulford Road, York.

Officers have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

Laura's devastated friends have left numerous tributes on social networking website Facebook.

In a heartbreaking final message posted at 2.46am on the day of her death, Laura updated her personal status to say: "Laura is thinking: 'if only'..."

One pal's tribute read: "Take care crazy girl, you will be sorely missed, but deep down we all know you will be with us looking over us. Lots of love xxx".

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Laura Gerstel, 20, was a third-year biochemistry student at York University

Another friend posted: "I will miss you forever, be happy over there XXOO."

Her profile page on another website, Bebo, lists her interests as "football and dancing", and describes herself as "quite over-excitable".

Laura's supervisor Dr Jim Hoggett said: "Laura was an enthusiastic and bright student who was a pleasure to teach. She was very popular with staff and her fellow students and she will be much missed in the departments of biology and chemistry where she studied."

A university spokesman said: "We are greatly saddened by the tragic death of Laura Gerstel. She had completed two years of a course in biochemistry at York."

"Our thoughts are with her family at this extremely distressing time. The university is offering support to her friends here."

An inquest into the death of the student, who was from North Berwick, Scotland, was expected to be opened and adjourned today.