Kingston, Ontario — [Article update below]
Tuesday afternoon, Queen’s University issued the following statement paying tribute to a 1st year student found dead outside the Victoria Hall residence Monday morning:
University mourns Cameron Lewis Bruce
The first year student who died on campus this week was 18 year old Cameron Lewis Bruce of Westport, Conneticut.
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Cameron’s family and friends,” says Principal Daniel Woolf. “On behalf of the university, I wish to express deepest sympathies for their loss. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all of the resources and supports available. We will keep the university informed as the police investigation continues.”
An autopsy was performed today in Ottawa and police have confirmed that foul play is not suspected. There is no indication that the residence and campus communities are at risk.
Counsellors have been working extensively over the last two days with students on Cameron’s floor, those who knew him and have been affected by his death, as well as with residence dons, family and friends. Counsellors will continue to provide support across campus and in the community in the coming days.
“We have put all the necessary resources in place to support our students as they work through their feelings,” says University Chaplain Brian Yealland. “For some students, this may be their first experience with a sudden loss and it’s important that they reach out to each other, and their families and seek the support they need.”
Students are encouraged to contact Health, Counselling and Disability Services at 613-533-6000 ext. 78264 or come to the LaSalle Building at 146 Stuart Street. After hours, students can call Campus Security 24/7 at 613-533-6080.
In his hometown of Westport, community members – along with students and administration at Staples High School, where Cameron graduated last spring – expressed shock and offered condolences to his family.
Cameron was well known in the town as captain of the swim team – where he helped coordinate the “Swim for Haiti” fundraiser last year that raised $45,000.
He was also an accomplished trumpeter who toured Italy with his classmates and played Taps at at Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies in Westport and at the Field of Flags tribute at Saugatuck Congregational Church in June.
And in the last post on his Twitter page Saturday evening, Cameron again paid tribute to others when he wrote:
God bless America and all those who lost loved ones
– September 11 (Twitter)
He is survived by his sister Margot, his parents Linda and Iain Bruce, and his grandmother Shirley Bruce.
In Westport, services are planned at Saugatuck Congregational Church — visiting hours will be on Friday, Sept. 24 from 4 to 8 p.m.; the funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.
Donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to the Cameron Bruce Scholarship for Trumpet at the New England Music Camp, 8 Goldenrod Lane, Sidney, ME 04330.
A grant will be made in his memory at Staples High School – donations can be sent to Staples Tuitions Grant, PO Box 5159, Westport, CT 06881-5159.
Update: Wednesday, September 15
Kingston City Police Chief Stephen Tanner has stated that the cause of death is believed to be an accidental fall from the student’s 6th floor Residence room.
“There is absolutely no indication it was (intentional) or a suicide by the individual,” Tanner said.
A post mortem was conducted Tuesday but investigators are still waiting for detailed toxicology test results.
Full story at the Whig Standard.
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Photo source: Facebook memorial page
Kingston City Police – Media Release: “Update on Queens University fatality“
