UD community mourns two student deaths in one week
UD announced the death of senior Franco Patino (left) and upperclassman Parker Spindle (right) in a campus-wide email Saturday. Photo provided on behalf of the university.
Kaitlin Lewis | Online Editor-in-Chief
Two students at the University of Dayton died this week in unrelated incidents, according to a campus-wide email sent on behalf of the university Saturday evening.
Upperclassman Parker Spindle, 21 from Grand Rapids, Michigan, died on Wednesday in Grand Rapids. Parker was a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, according to the email.
Senior Franco Patino, from Naperville, Illinois, was killed Friday evening while attending the Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas. In total, eight individuals died Friday after the crowd surged forward toward the stage during the concert. Around 50,000 people were in attendance to see rapper Travis Scott, according to CNN.
Patino, 21, was a mechanical engineering technology major with a minor in human movement biomechanics. According to the university, he was a member of Alpha Psi Lambda, a coeducational Latino fraternity, and was active at the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center. Patino was also a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and active in the ETHOS program at UD, read the email.
A visitation for Spindle is being held Tuesday at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, starting at 2 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow starting at 4 p.m. More information about the services can be found here.
UD will also hold a service for Spindle Monday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. The campus community is invited to attend the service and light a candle in remembrance.
Information about a campus memorial service and funeral arrangements for Patino will be posted on Porches when more details are available, read the email.
The family of Patino released a statement on Sunday asking for space as they grieve the loss of their brother, son and friend.
“We’re comforted by the impact Franco made on hundreds of people over the years and that they will carry a piece of him from now on,” said Teresita and Juilo Patino, Franco’s parents, who were quoted in the release.
The email, signed by UD President Eric Spina as well as Vice President for Student Development William Fischer and Executive Director of Campus Ministry Crystal Sullivan, acknowledge the “immeasurable grief” losing two students in the same week brings to the campus community.
“We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to Franco’s and Parker’s families, friends, professors and our campus community,” read the email. “Campus ministers, the dean of students office, housing and residence life, and counseling staff are always available for you and for those who you know may be deeply affected by these losses.”
More information about resources for those who are affected can be found here.
Flyer News extends our condolences to the friends, family and loved ones affected this week by these two losses. As fellow friends and peers, we stand with you in mourning.
For more campus news like Flyer News on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@FlyerNews) and Instagram (@flyernews).