Young Athlete's Sudden Death At PA College Not Suspicious, Officials Say

MULLICA HILL, NJ — The death of a Mullica Hill native found unresponsive in his Pennsylvania dorm room is not suspicious, the local coroner's office said.

Andrew “Drew” Ruehlicke, 21, was found in his York College dormitory just after 10 a.m. Saturday. The college announced his death on Tuesday morning.

Ruehlicke, a graduate of Bishop Eustace Prep School in Pennsauken, was a junior sports management major and a forward on the Spartan men’s soccer team.

York County Coroner Pamela L. Gay's office said her office is waiting on the results of an autopsy and testing to determine the cause and manner of his death. Spring Garden Township Police is investigating the death, and York Campus Police also responded, officials said.

York College Dean of Student Development and Campus Life Dr. Richard Satterlee said counseling services are available to those who need it.

“Please note that there is no indication that the circumstances of this tragic event pose a threat to the health and safety of our campus community,” Satterlee said. “Nonetheless, this news is understandably difficult for many of us.”

Ruehlicke played more than two dozen games with the York College Spartans, including 11 games during the current season. He scored two goals this season and amassed six points over his career, Satterlee’s statement read. His first collegiate start was Wednesday night, Oct. 5 as York took on Albright.

He also touted a 4.0 GPA and was a four-time member of the York College Dean's List as a Sport Management major and a finance minor. Since June, Ruehlicke also served as a part-time package handler for FedEx in Barrington, N.J., according to his LinkedIn profile.

"He was a tremendous Spartan teammate that will missed by his coaches and teammates," the university said.

Ruehlicke graduated from Bishop Eustace in 2020 and was a sports referee for the Harrison Soccer Club in Mullica Hill from 2017 to 2019.

The men’s soccer game scheduled Oct. 8 against Mary Washington was postponed.

A mass in Ruehlicke’s memory was held at Bishop Eustace Prep School on Sunday in St. Vincent Pallotti Chapel. The Pennsauken school added that counselors will be available for any student who needs support.

A public service has not yet been announced.