The UNA campus mourns the death of senior Karen Gutierrez who died Dec. 25, according to a source close to the family.

No visitation or funeral arrangements have been released.

“I never would have guessed this day would come, but it happened for a reason,” said Gutierrez’s sister Annette Gutierrez in a Facebook post. “My heart, body and soul is hurting for you. God gained a red-lipstick, perfect-winged-eyeliner woman.” 

Senior Gabby Fuqua said Gutierrez has made an impact in her life. 

“You are the most authentic and original person I have ever met in this entire town,” she said in a Facebook post. “I am endlessly inspired by you, and I will never forget how amazing you are.” 

Gutierrez graduated from Florence High School in 2012 and transferred to UNA from Northwest Shoals Community College. Her major was sociology.

Editor’s Note: Life Editor Monday Sanderson contributed to this report.