By News Staff

Northeastern acknowledged today in a university-wide e-mail that the identity of the 22-year-old woman found shot to death in a Mission Hill apartment yesterday is Rebecca Payne, a senior Northeastern athletic training major.

“Becca epitomized all that is best about Northeastern University students. Having her taken so suddenly leaves a hole that will never be filled for her parents, Nicholas and Virginia, and her family and friends, as well as our entire university community,” read the letter addressed by President Joseph Aoun. “A tragedy like this, suddenly and without explanation, that takes the life of one of our brightest young lights brings us unfathomable grief. For now, we turn to each other to draw strength and comfort, to remind ourselves how precious life is, and to send our most heartfelt prayers to Becca’s loved ones.”

Payne was found shortly before 7 a.m. yesterday on the floor of a Parker Hill Avenue apartment, dead from apparent gun shot wounds. Her name on a mailbox suggests she lived there.

Neighbors reported hearing gunshots between 2 and 3 a.m. that morning, but no one called 911.

Boston police cancelled a scheduled press conference today due to a lack of new information, but have been release more information about the case as it develops.

One witness reported seeing a black van leaving the scene and investigators are still trying to figure out if Payne knew the assailant, though there was no forced entry.

The Boston Police Department website reminds students to “possess an appropriate level of awareness in an effort to prevent oneself from being the victim of a crime.”

Payne’s parents also released a statement, posted on the site.

President Aoun described Payne, the president of the Athletic Training Club, as ” dedicated to her studies, excited about her successful and challenging co-op jobs, and passionate about causes dear to her heart.”