“She was one of the kindest people you will ever meet. She was sunshine in the darkness.”

That is how a classmate and friend of a Butler High School 17-year-old described the girl, who died Friday in what authorities say appeared to be a tragic accident.

Rhianna Jacobson, 17, a junior at the high school, said she knew the young woman, whose name has not yet been publicly released by authorities, and had grown close through their association with the school's ROTC program.

“I have known her for a long time,” Jacobson said, having met the girl in junior high and both joining the ROTC program their freshman year of high school. “I saw her every day and we formed this friendship.”

Jacobson said because of the busy school year, the two didn't hang out as often, but “I wish I would have done it more.”

She said the girl was always “nice and bubbly” and “always knew what to say if you were upset.”

“She was always there to listen,” Jacobson said. “She really loved helping people. If she was upset, she never showed it. She always knew how to make people laugh and smile. That is something that she carried with her. She was a really good friend.”

Jacobson said her friend was a “quality” student, who was good at solving classroom issues.

She described the girl as “one of a kind,” saying “she'll be really missed.”

Butler police and the county coroner are investigating the incident, which occurred in the 100 block of Pleasantview Avenue around 6:45 a.m. Friday, according to 911 dispatch reports.

Butler Fire Department Capt. Tom Fair said his department was dispatched to the home for an unresponsive juvenile, with two members responding, one of whom is a paramedic.

An autopsy was performed at 6 p.m. Friday. Deputy Coroner Larry Barr said, that while the cause of death is pending standard toxicology reports, the manner of death will most likely be drowning.

Barr said the girl was getting ready for school and got into tub to take a shower. “We don't know if she slipped,” he said.

She was found in the bathtub by her parents, who were home at the time, Barr said.

He said there was nothing suspicious about the incident, and the girl suffered bruising to the head, possibly hitting her head on the faucet, which appeared to be broken.

Butler police Capt. Jim Hollobaugh said the incident appears to be accidental with no foul play involved.

Butler Ambulance Service and fire department personnel conducted CPR before the coroner was called, Fair said.

Butler School District Superintendent Brian White issued a statement via email Friday morning, stating “We were deeply saddened to learn that a student at the Butler Area School District had a tragic accident this morning. Due to student confidentiality laws, we are unable to confirm the student's name or age.

“We have additional counselors available at the Senior High School for students and staff members in need of grief support.

“On behalf of the Butler Area school community, we extend our deepest sympathy to the student's family and friends at this difficult time.”

Family members were unable to be contacted at the home Friday.

Eagle staff writer Jim Smith contributed to this report.