It is with great sadness that the University reports the death of Patrice Nicolas Merle, a final year student from the Economics Department. A Mauritian national, Patrice was an active member of the University community and served as President of the Mauritian Society. A keen musician, Patrice often contributed to the musical ensembles within the Chaplaincy where he was a popular member of the community.

The loss of a member of the University community brings sadness to many people. For Patrice this will mean his friends, staff and students in his department, the members of the Chaplaincy community, staff and students in his residential area and staff in the International Office. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

In recent days the University has focused primarily on liaising with Patrice’s family members to ensure that they are supported and to ensure that their wishes are fulfilled. Our thoughts and prayers stay with them at this time of sorrow and loss.

The Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Thrift remarked:

“The death of any student hits all members of the University hard, particularly friends and staff who knew them well. In the case of Patrice, we offer our sincere condolences to his family and his friends. The massive out-pouring of support for him in recent days from within and outside the University community has been overwhelming, and will offer comfort and reassurance to his family as they come to terms with this their tragic loss”.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Patrice Merle will be held in Week 9 of this Term. A Memorial Book will be opened in the Chaplaincy from Monday 4 June 2007 to allow friends to offer their personal words of reflection and comfort. The Memorial Book will be sent to Patrice’s family in Mauritius at the end of term.

Requiem Mass - 20 June - 17:30 - Chancellor's Suite

Location Change

The Mass will now take place in the Chancellor's Suite in Rootes Social Building.