RICHMOND, Va. – Students and staff members at Virginia Commonwealth University are mourning the loss of three students who have died within seven days.
First-year School of Dentistry student Benjamin Sykes, age 25, and 21-year-old Christopher Ducic, a senior in the School of Engineering, both died over the weekend.
School officials say both deaths were accidental and unrelated to each other. Both died from falls, according to the Richmond Police Department.
A recent transfer student named Lisa Rubi was killed in a single-vehicle car crash in Poquoson, on Oct. 25. The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. when the driver of the car ran off the road. Rubi didn’t have on a seatbelt, according to Virginia State Police.
The university said they have contacted individuals who were close to the students, to make them aware of available university resources that provide support.
Officials with the school urged other VCU students to access the available resources as need.
“We are deeply saddened by these losses and our condolences go out to the students’ families and friends,” said Charles J. Klink, Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs. “Your thoughtful efforts to support those impacted by these tremendous losses are deeply appreciated.”
VCU Counseling Services on Monroe Park Campus
University Student Commons, Room 238
907 Floyd Ave.
(804) 828-6200
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
VCU Counseling Services on MCV Campus
Grant House, B011
1008 E. Clay St.
(804) 828-3964
Monday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For an emergency after hours, please call VCU Police dispatch at (804) 828-1234 and ask to speak to a therapist.
