Three University of Dayton undergraduate students died in unrelated incidents during the summer.
William Tobin, a 19-year-old sophomore marketing major from Chicago, died of craniocerebral injuries on June 2 after a fall near DePaul University, according to whiotv.com.
Daniel Arnold, a senior pre-medicine major and honors student from Gahanna, Ohio, died June 5 at age 21 from complications following a May 26 canoe accident in the Little Miami River. Arnold was canoeing with friends on the river in Warren County, Ohio, when he upended his canoe and hit his head on a rock. He was found unresponsive and flown by medical helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital where he died, according to whiotv.com.
Edward Brown, a senior communication major from Mt. Laurel, N.J., died on Aug. 3, at age 22. Flyer News could not officially confirm the cause of Brown’s death by the time of publication.
Bill Tobin
Tobin was known as an outgoing person who was liked by many, according to his roommate Kevin Sobkoviak, a sophomore political science major.
“Most outgoing, charismatic guy there was,” Sobkoviak said. “He was a really great guy to hang out with. Everyone loved him. It’s been a wake-up call to all of us and all his friends here. He had a ton of friends at UD.”
Sobkoviak and his two sophomore roommates, psychology major Jeff Salemme and business major Mike Collins, said they were looking forward to living with Tobin in a four-person suite in Virginia W. Kettering Residence Hall this year. Tobin’s friends decided that it would be fitting to Tobin’s memory not to have a fourth roommate live with them this year in place of their friend, Bill.
Danny Arnold
Arnold gained early acceptance to the School of Medicine at Wright State University earlier this year, according to The Columbus Dispatch. He was engaged to Carol Harper, a senior education major, and the couple planned to marry in June.
“He was the most selfless person I’ve ever known,” his father, Kevin Arnold, said. “Danny was so giving of himself. He had great direction and a bright future, but he worked just as hard to push other people to that point, as well.”
Arnold’s father said the support and offering of condolences from the UD community has been instrumental in helping the family get through their loss. University students and professors joined Arnold’s mother, Kathy Arnold, and younger siblings Michael and Alison for daily visits at Miami Valley Hospital during Arnold’s final days.
David Darrow, director of University Honors Programs, frequented Arnold’s bedside and said he was a gift to the university community and the honors program.
“His dedication to scholarly inquiry and leadership served, and always will serve, as an example that all students should try to emulate,” Darrow said in an email to Flyer News.
Kevin Arnold said his son’s legacy will also be preserved through Danny’s Day, an annual service day that will bring community members together on the fourth Saturday of every June for prayer, service and a community potluck as a celebration of Arnold’s life. He also said scholarships at Arnold’s high school and UD have been set up in his name to perpetuate his son’s legacy of giving. Harper organized a 5K run in an effort to raise money for the Daniel P. Arnold Memorial Scholarship, which benefits the honors program. Information about the planned Sept. 30, run is available in the University Honors Program offices at 125 Alumni Hall.
Eddie Brown
Friends from as far away as Tennessee gathered Aug. 8 in New Jersey for Eddie Brown’s funeral. Former Flyer News editor and 2012 UD graduate Seetha Sankaranarayan said Brown spoke often about his love of radio and music. Brown wrote for Flyer News during Sankaranarayan’s tenure as arts and entertainment editor.
“I feel very fortunate that I was able to know him both personally and as a member of the student newspaper,” Sankaranarayan said. “He looked out for people and was always there for them. At the root of it, Eddie was full of great intentions and what has happened is unfortunate.”
Justin Guinn, also a former Flyer News editor and 2012 UD graduate, said Brown was the life of the party.
“He was always that guy who got the troops rallied,” Guinn said. “I was fortunate know him freshman year all the way to senior year. He was one of those underground guys in Founders. He was a great guy. Cool. Loyal as can be.”
Eileen O’Connor, Brown’s girlfriend of a year, said she’ll always remember him having a big smile on his face, one that could light up a room. She’ll also remember his ability to make others laugh.
“Eddie had a great sense of humor,” she said. “He could always make everyone laugh.”
Brown was planning to move to Chicago after graduation. His friends have expressed interest in holding a memorial service for Brown on campus sometime in the coming months.
