A North Stamford high school senior died of an apparent drug overdose in a New York City hotel room near Times Square, police say.

Koch was set to graduate from Westhill High School in two months. Friends and family described her as fun and full of life.

Mourners placed candles and flowers in front of Koch's North Stamford home in tribute and friends put together a collage.

Koch's mother said Natalie's drug use had increased in recent weeks. She said her heart goes out to all that mourn her daughter, and hoped her daughter's death will serve as the lesson some teens need to choose the right path.