Anna Jaskulka

NORTH ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - A North St. Paul high school senior died after she found unresponsive shortly after her parents were called to drive her home from prom on Saturday night. In a statement, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Superintendent Christine Osorio identified the student as 18-year-old Anna Jaskulka, “a bright personality and kind heart.”

“First and foremost, it’s the loss of a young life, which is always tragic,” said Lt. Kerry Crotty of the Maplewood Police Dept. “And our condolences go out to the family and all of North High at this point. But at this point, we have a job to do and our job is to find out what happened.”

Maplewood Police said the school district called the teen's parents drive her home from prom at the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul because she was "visibly drunk." Police said her parents saw her 15 minutes before finding her unresponsive. Officers were called to a home in the 2300 block of Schadt Drive at 11:08 p.m. and she was in full cardiac arrest when officers arrived. First responders attempted to revive her, and she was taken to Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury where she was pronounced dead.

Police Chief Paul Schnell said it was clear she had been drinking alcohol. The medical examiner will perform an autopsy on Monday to determine if any other substances were involved in her death.

“We are investigating it just because an 18-year old doesn’t normally, isn’t normally found unresponsive,” said Crotty. “So there are concerns. And we’d also like to find out if there are other things that are involved what they are and where she got them.”

The district told parents in an email counselors will be available at North High School to offer support for students.

Statements from principal, superintendent

"We are truly saddened by the loss Anna Jaskulka, Anna was a student with a bright personality and kind heart. She will be deeply missed. North High will have extra counselors available in the days ahead to support students and staff during this difficult time." - Greg Nelson, Principal, North High School

"District 622 High School Families: It is with a heavy heart that I share sad news with you today. Early this morning, we received a call from the Maplewood Police Department regarding the death one of our North High students, Anna Jaskulka. Last night police were called to a home in Maplewood where she was found unresponsive. Despite intensive efforts by emergency response personnel she was ultimately pronounced dead at the hospital. The circumstances of her death are currently under investigation. Specifically, investigators are working to determine if alcohol or other substances contributed to her death. Students will have varied reactions to the death of a peer. Any reaction is normal in the grief process and can range from withdrawal, to crying and anger. I encourage you to openly discuss with your child their reactions and feelings regarding the death of Anna. Special counseling services will be made available to students tomorrow and will continue to be available throughout the week and longer, if needed. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this student during this difficult time. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact school administration directly." - Christine Osorio, Superintendent