I know this is difficult news to hear the first week back from our holiday break and days after hearing about the loss of one of our second-year chemical engineering students. It is with deep sadness that I share that Aidan Walker, a second-year mechatronics engineering student, passed away on Saturday, January 2nd due to a brain aneurysm.
The University’s thoughts are with Aidan’s family and we are supporting them at this difficult time. I, and other University members, have reached out and spoken to Aidan’s family. They would be happy to receive any messages of condolences at this email address kevin@walker.ca and they have shared a memorial page with some photos and memories of Aidan https://www.forevermissed.com/aidan-walker/
Funeral service arrangements have not been finalized but will be posted on this page when known and, depending on the family's wishes, we will arrange a virtual memorial to celebrate Aidan’s life with his friends, classmates, and our Engineering community. More details will be provided as the information becomes available.
The year 2020 was challenging for us all and the start of 2021 has brought more sad news. Aidan’s passing on top of everything else may feel like a breaking point. Many of us may be faced with a variety of emotions and feelings including shock, sadness, anger, and confusion. Although it is very difficult to convey in text, please know that we care about you and the feelings that you may be experiencing as you process this news. For those grieving or in need of support there are immediate resources available, listed below. Despite the incredible difficulties our Engineering community has sustained over these months, we’ll continue to support each other as we persevere with Aidan’s shining personality in our hearts and memories.
Please know that if you are grieving and need any support, people are there for you:
Counselling Services - 519-888-4567 ext. 32655
Mates - mates@wusa.ca
Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247
Health Services - Student Medical Clinic - 519-888-4096
Grand River Hospital - 519-749-4300
St. Mary's Hospital - 519-744-3311
Good2Talk - 1-866-925-5454
Crisis Services Canada - 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645
Also sharing links to specific staff and faculty resources that are available for you:
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Extended Health Care Benefit for private counselling
UW Chaplains (support all faiths and secular perspectives)
Mary