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This email is being sent to faculty members who teach undergraduates.

January 3, 2021

Dear Colleagues, 

Please see below the message that we sent to undergraduate students earlier this evening. We are very sorry to share news of the passing Friday of a second-year Trinity student, Bryan Lopez.

Our teams have been working throughout the day to connect with Bryan’s closest contacts and to remind students more broadly of resources available in a time of loss and uncertainty. Mental health resources are also available to faculty and staff. Duke’s Personal Assistance Service (PAS) offers confidential and no-cost counseling to all Duke employees. You can contact PAS at 919-416-1727 to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.

We are grateful for the strength of the Duke community -- today and always.

Sincerely,

Gary G. Bennett, Ph.D.  
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education  
John Blackshear, Ph.D
Dean of Students

Mary Pat McMahon
Vice Provost/Vice President of Student Affairs

Martin Smith, Ph.D. 
Dean of Academic Affairs Trinity College of Arts & Science
Begin forwarded message

Monday, January 3, 2022

Dear students,

We are saddened to share that Bryan Lopez, a second-year student in the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, died unexpectedly on Friday. Although he had not yet declared a major, Bryan had many academic interests including Math, Physics and Spanish. During his time at Duke, Bryan was a member of the Duke University Marching Band and Pep Band; he could often be found officiating rec soccer games, a role he absolutely loved. 

We are thinking today of Bryan’s family, as well as the Wannamaker and West Hall community members, classmates, advisors, faculty, and friends who knew Bryan personally. Bryan’s mother expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Duke community and its care for him during his time here. She stated that Bryan “was loved deeply and will be missed” by all who knew him.

We also recognize that news of Bryan’s passing can impact those who did not directly know him well. Grief in response to a loss is a common reaction, and grief can present very differently among individuals and at different times.  Please seek out your supports - including friends and trusted mentors - if that would be helpful to you right now, and know that the resources below are available to Duke students at any time. 

An on-campus gathering to remember Bryan’s life and many contributions to the Duke community will be planned for later this month. In the meantime, thank you for joining us as we extend heartfelt condolences and support to Bryan’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.

Sincerely yours,

John Blackshear, Ph.D
Dean of Students

Mary Pat McMahon
Vice Provost/Vice President of Student Affairs

Gary Bennett, Ph.D.  
Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education 

Martin Smith, Ph.D. 
Dean of Academic Affairs Trinity College of Arts & Science

DukeReach will help you identify support services from among the variety of resources across campus or in your local community. You can contact DukeReach at 919-681-2455 or by emailing dukereach@duke.edu

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers many services to Duke students. Any student can call 919-660-1000, 8-5 M-F to speak with someone, or set up a time to speak with a counselor. CAPS can also help with referrals in Durham or in your local community.

Spring 2022 “Two-Click to Connect” (https://bit.ly/TwoClickSupport) – This resource allows students to select the category of person who will reach out to you within 24-48 hours, be it a trained Peer For You responder or a DukeReach staff member. These individuals are here to discuss whatever’s on your mind, help guide you through stressful times, and connect you to resources.

Blue Devils Care – 24/7 telemental-health support to all students at no cost, through immediate and scheduled appointments.

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