ONE of Scotland’s most prestigious universities has been rocked by the second death of a student in less than a week.
St Andrews student John Shipley, 19, died at his family home in New York state, and his grieving friends will cross the Atlantic to be at his funeral.
The second year economics student had been due to return to his studies later this summer.
Fife town rocked by the tragic deaths of three students in little over a month
Mr Shipley’s death comes just days after Canadian student Jonathan Wookey died in an accident in Cyprus.
And another student, Steven Sims, died just last month from a rare blood illness.
Paying tribute, university principal Louise Richardson said: ”He was, by all accounts, a quiet, thoughtful and dedicated student who had a closely knit group of good friends in St Andrews, many of whom are now planning to travel to New York for his funeral on Thursday morning”
A funeral mass will be held at St Anthony’s Church in Nanuet, New York.
An obituary posted online said: “He enjoyed economics and socializing with his friends at St. Andrew’s.”
Prof Richardson continued: ”[His friends] remember a loyal friend and classmate whom they will miss terribly.
”A resident of New Hall in his first year and latterly of David Russell Apartments, John was studying economics with a view to a career in the financial industry.
”He was a keen supporter of student charity initiatives and had twice taken part in the annual Race to Barcelona.
”I know how much of a shock John’s death has come to his friends and teachers in St Andrews and to our wider university community, already mourning the recent loss of Steven Sims and Jonathan Wookey.
”Our colleagues from Student Services are in touch with John’s family.”
It is not currently known how Mr Shipley died.
Holiday Tragedy
International Jelations student Jonathan Wookey died on Wednesday night last week while on holiday in Cyprus.
Described as a rising sports star, it is thought he died after a fall during a party at the Aphrodite Hills resort.
He died just months before he was due to take up a high flying career in investment banking in London.
Professor Richardson said: “As an International Relations student his intellectual curiosity spanned a diverse range of subjects.
“Friends say that his excitement about all things, including his upcoming employment at an investment bank in London, was contagious.
“He worked tirelessly to fulfil his passions.
“His close friends say that confidence and curiosity were two of Jonny’s most striking attributes.
“To all those who knew him, he was an intensely genuine, funny and kind friend.
“He was able to engage on a personal level with people from diverse backgrounds because he was truly interested in learning more about all those who crossed his path.
“Jonny was with his friends when this tragic accident occurred and was, as always, enjoying the time shared with some of those closest to him.
“The St Andrews community has lost a dear friend and from the messages I have received from his friends, I know how much he will be missed.”
Rugby man
Steven Sims, who captained the St Andrews University 1st XV, died after being treated for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
The 23-year-old was first admitted to hospital on 22 May suffering from a rash, and told friends he would be out in just a few days.
But his condition worsened and he died on 26 May from bleeding on his brain.
Paying tribute, his father Mike said: “He was a great leader and motivator, and going by what I have seen from his friends, he could be a light to people in their darker hours.”
