Tributes pour in after tragic death
The staff and students of Hertford College have been paying tribute to John Stubley, the final year student who died last week during a routine operation. John, who was due to take his final exams in Chemistry this term, was suffering from Crohn’s disease. A statement released by the Principal of Hertford John Landers spoke of the great sadness felt by all members of the college at the news: “John was a student of enormous academic potential.
He enjoyed immense popularity amongst his fellow students, staff and friends both at Hertford College and within the Department of Chemistry. We shall all miss him greatly. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family. He was an outstandingly talented musician, contributing a great deal to the musical life of the college.” A close friend of John said, “There is not room here to extol John’s many virtues, and indeed he would not have wanted this, being essentially a private person.
John was however a wonderfully gifted and loving man, and his loss will be deeply felt in the close-knit community of Hertford College for some time to come. Words can’t really describe the shock of losing such a person, but his unique quirks and cheeky grin will ensure we remember him forever.” The news of John’s death was met by sadness by his many friends at Hertford.
A second-year Hertford student said, “The day after John died the College was bright with sunshine, but people were just sat around the quad in quiet reflection. The atmosphere was very sombre, it was strange and sad. He is being remembered however, and that’s important.
Annie Raw, Hertford’s JCR Welfare Representative said, “The students in the JCR and other members of the college were obviously very saddened and upset by the news of John’s death, but it seems that everyone has provided support for his closest friends and come together through it.” The college is putting all its resources into supporting members of the college. In an email to the student body, Landers advised students to consult the Chaplain, or the University counselling service.
Hertford has been finding ways to commemorate John and come to terms with his death. A book of condolences is in the chapel for students and staff to leave messages and tributes, whilst the finalist’s photograph, taken last Tuesday, will be dedicated ‘In Memory of John Stubley’. A collection was made in order to donate flowers to John’s family, and as a mark of respect, the college flag was flown at half-mast. The college will mark John’s life later this term with a memorial service.
His funeral will be held tomorrow.
11th May 2006