her close friend and classmate, edith kerns. >> denita just always knew what she wanted. she always had a vision and a goal and she would make a plan and stick to it and take it step by step until she met that goal. >> denita lived in the campus crossings apartments near the university. around 8:00 a.m., a 911 call came in from another student at the same complex. >> 9-1-1. what is your emergency? >> i think this girl just fell down the stairs. she's at the bottom of the stairs bust up and blood everywhere. >> she responding to you at all? >> she's not even moving. do you want me to get her i.d. out? >> if you can. >> her name is denita smith. denita! she ain't moving, man. >> denita seemed to have perhaps lost her balance and fallen down the stairs. police and paramedics rush to the complex. but college was quickly notified, as was denita's family. >> ms. smith, denita fell. she is unconscious but they're trying to revive her. he said are you coming to durham? and i'm still trying to wrap my head around you fell, unconscious, revived. i said, yes, i'm coming. >> sharon a