2 ND Students found dead

About an hour ago at Vespers in the Basilica we were asked to pray for 2 Notre Dame students who were found dead today in two unrelated incidents.

The first, I was told, was a sophomore boy found in Dillon Hall. I have heard that his residence was either Keenan or Stanford,(see bottom of post) and that his death may have been caused by diabetic shock. When I heard this, the University had still not reached his family, so no names have be released. The SBT has little at this point.

The second, I heard, was a law student abroad in London.

That's all I've heard at this time. I imagine there will be more in the Observer in the morning. Here is the latest SBT update.

Below is the ND Press Release:

Father Jenkins mourns deaths of two students
By: Dennis Brown
Date: February 17, 2008

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame, extended his sympathies to the families of two Notre Dame students who died over the weekend in separate and unrelated incidents.

“On behalf of the entire University, my deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of these two members of the Notre Dame family,” Father Jenkins said. “Our prayers are with them during this difficult time.”

The names of the students and other details are being withheld at this time. While the immediate families have been notified, the families have requested that they have time to communicate with other loved ones prior to the release of additional information.

Pray for the repose of their souls, for their families, and for this community.

What a terrible thing.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Photo Credit: Dark Angel, Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit, MI, by Mary Stebbins Taitt, detroitd.blogspot.com




Since I've noticed my blog is getting a significant number of hits due to attempts to find more news on this matter, I will post updates as soon as I hear them if they are appropriate given that the relatives are still being notified.



UPDATE Siegfried appears to have been the residence of the first student, not Standford.

UPDATE 2/18 The Observer published an article this morning. The sophomore was Connor McGrath. The following email was just released to the student body:

Dear Students,

As you may know, this past weekend we lost two members of the Notre Dame family.

We will gather for a Memorial Mass to honor the lives of Timothy R. Aher and Connor P. McGrath on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at 10:00 PM. Father John Jenkins, C.S.C., University President, will preside.

All are invited to join together to pray for Tim and Connor, their families, and their friends.

Fr. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.
Vice President for Student Affairs

Other Sources:
WSJV