Father Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., President of Saint Francis, shared the following email message with the University community during the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 5:
Dear University Community,
It is with sadness that I send you this email. We were shocked to learn of the passing of Kevon Walker, a first-year SFU student and football team member. Please join me in praying for the repose of Kevon’s soul. Let us also pray for his mother and family, teammates, fellow students, and all who mourn his unexpected passing.
When one member of the Christian community grieves, we all grieve. Thankfully, we do not walk alone on our faith journey. Jesus is with us in times of sadness. We find comfort, too, through members of our campus community. Please take time today to pray and be supportive of one another.
Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Kevon, 18, was a native of Buffalo, New York, and lived in Giles Hall on campus. Prior to enrolling at Saint Francis, he attended Canisius High School in Buffalo. Several of his football teammates found him lying unresponsive in his bed in Giles late Monday afternoon.
According to some of his teammates, Kevon had complained of not feeling well in recent days.
Following his death on Nov. 4, Father Malachi canceled all day classes at the University on Nov. 5 in order to “allow students, faculty and staff time for reflection and support.”
The midday Mass at the Immaculate Conception Chapel on Nov. 5 was offered in Kevon’s memory.
SFU officials encourage those in need of grief support to contact the University’s Counseling Center at 814-472-3211 and/or Campus Ministry at 814-472-3172.
Sympathy cards for Kevon’s family can be sent to the Campus Ministry Office, where they will be collected and forwarded to his loved ones. A Mass in Kevon’s name may also be requested through Campus Ministry.
