A routine patrol of Harmontown, a small town north of Oxford, led a Lafayette County deputy to find the body of a female Ole Miss student Saturday morning.
The body was identified as 21-year-old Alexandria “Ally” Kostial, a marketing major from St. Louis, Missouri, who was set to graduate in the spring. It is apparent that foul play was involved, and no suspect has been arrested.
Kostial was taking summer courses and teaching fitness classes on campus, according to a Facebook post Kostial’s father, Keith Kostial, posted on Sunday. Ally Kostial was also a founding member and president of the Ole Miss Golf Club and a former initiate of Alpha Phi sorority.
“The Alpha Phi community is grieving the loss of Ally Kostial, and we send our deepest sympathies to her family during this incredibly difficult time,” Dakotah Lindsay, director of communications for the sorority, said. “We hope that the Alpha Phi sisters who knew Ally best can find peace and comfort as they reflect on the lasting impact she made on the lives of her family members and friends.”
Claire Sigrist, a close friend of Kostial’s, said that despite the tragedy, she wants to continue to celebrate her friend’s life.
“Ally was a once-in-a-lifetime friend,” Sigrist said. “She had the ability to light up any room she walked in. Anyone who knew Ally knows that she is a loyal friend and a great listener. Her wit, thoughtfulness and her cheerful demeanor will always be remembered.”
Interim Chancellor Larry Sparks said in a statement that he was saddened by Kostial’s death.
“Ally was a valued member of our campus community,” Sparks said. “We extend our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and classmates and stand ready to support them during this time. We appreciate the work of the Lafayette County Sherriff’s Department and Coroner as they conduct their investigation.”
Few details are being released at this time, and this is an ongoing investigation.
If anyone has any information information regarding this case, they are asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at 662-234-6421 or Crime Stoppers at 662-234-8477. This is a developing story.
