MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- A Central Michigan University student died of a bacterial form of meningitis.

The university said in a news release Thursday that the Ottawa County Health Department announced LaMott Smith, 26, died Wednesday of meningococcal meningitis.

The Sterling Heights man fell ill Tuesday in Coopersville, located about 15 miles west of Grand Rapids.

Health departments want to identify people who may have come in close contact with Smith since April 22. That would include roommates, significant others or anyone who may have shared beverages or eating utensils with him.

At-risk individuals would be treated with antibiotics.

According to authorities, 73 people have been treated so far.

Smith was planning on graduating in December and worked on CMU's campus at the Student Activity Center.

"LaMott was a tremendous young man," said Stan Shingles, director of university recreation. "He was a sports studies major, so much of his life revolved around sports, fitness and recreation."

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain.

Calls are to be directed to the school's University Health Services at 989-774-6591.

In April, Joey Metzelaars, a Western Michigan University student, also died from bacterial meningitis.

The 19-year-old went home to his family’s house in Ottawa County, where police said he died in his sleep.