SUNY Fredonia mourns the passing of student Thomas Dean

SUNY Fredonia is deeply saddened to report that one of its students, Thomas Dean, 21, of Newfane, N.Y., passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning.  A senior, Mr. Dean was completing an English major with a Creative Writing minor.

A resident of University Commons, Mr. Dean passed away suddenly in his dorm room while playing video games with a friend.  At present, the cause of death is unknown, pending the results of an autopsy which has been requested by family members; however, there is no suspicion of foul play.

Thom, as he was commonly known, served as a Student Ambassador with the International Education Office and was a member of the Korean International Student Society.  He was also the Vice President of the Writer’s Ring student group and a regular contributor to “The Fredonia Follower,” a student-created, online satirical news blog.

The campus’ Counseling Center has already begun reaching out to University Commons residents, and counseling services will be available throughout the coming days to help other campus community members during this tragic time.

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Mr. Dean, and to all of his fellow students, faculty and staff who are filled with grief and shock.

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