NEW HAVEN— 
A Yale University lab was closed Wednesday after the death of a student in an accident there, a Yale official said.

"I am deeply saddened to inform you that Michele Dufault, a Yale senior in Saybrook College, died last night in what appears to have been a terrible accident involving a piece of equipment in the student machine shop in Sterling Chemistry Laboratory," states the posting from Linda Lorimer, vice president and secretary, on the school's website.

"Michele's parents have been contacted and are traveling to campus from their home. By all reports, Michele was an exceptional young woman, an outstanding student and young scientist, a dear friend and a vibrant member of this community," Lorimer wrote. "We will find ways in the next day to gather to celebrate her life and grieve this loss."

Lorimer told members of the Yale community to take advantage of the many resources available if they need someone to talk to about the death. She also said Sterling Chemistry Laboratory is closed today, and classes and labs are canceled.

Members of the Chemistry Department are invited to the Chemistry Research building, room 123, at 3 p.m. for those who wish to comfort one another, Lorimer said.

Yale spokesman Tom Conroy provided no details about the accident Wednesday morning.