Cameron Bruce’s university career ended before it began when he died Sept. 13 after falling from his Queen’s University residence room window, investigators said.
A first-year student from Westport, Conn., Bruce, 18, had just finished Frosh week.
Kingston police chief Stephen Tanner said in a press release it is believed his death was caused by the fall, and alcohol may have been a factor.
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Cameron’s family and friends,” said Queen’s Principal Daniel Woolf in a press release.
Emily Messina, a classmate of Bruce’s at Staples High School in Westport, described Bruce as a friendly guy. “He was truly a kind-hearted guy, making everyone around him feel welcome and included. There was rarely a time when I didn’t see him smiling,” she said.
“I didn’t know him that well, but I knew him enough to know that the world lost a truly amazing person,” said Ben Reiser, a fellow classmate at Staples High School.
An autopsy was performed Sept. 14 in Ottawa. Police confirmed, in a press release, that foul play is not suspected.
John Pierce, associate vice-principal and dean of student affairs at Queen’s, is currently leading a critical incident review. The review is a standard part of the university’s student death protocol.
For now, the university is helping students adjust. “We have put all the necessary resources in place to support our students as they work through their feelings,” said university chaplain Brian Yealland in a press release.
A funeral was held Sept. 25 at the Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport. Bruce’s father Iain, a Queen’s alumnus, said in a press release that his son told him his week at Queen’s was the best week of his life.
The university will hold a memorial Oct. 5 at Wallace Hall. In a press release, the university said Bruce’s parents plan to attend.
“Cameron’s family will be here as well so that will offer the chance for students who were not able to be at Cameron’s funeral to pay their respects to his family,” Yealland said.
Recalling a memory, Messina said she could not get mad at Bruce.
“We played in our high school’s pep band for the football games,” Messina said.
“Everyone surrounding me was passing around my trombone because they were amazed at the slide and when it got passed to Cameron, he dropped the slide under the bleachers into the mud. He was so shocked with his mouth hanging open and his eyes wide, but all I could do was laugh.”
“It was impossible to be mad at someone as genuine as him,” Messina said.
Friends commented on Bruce’s death through the Facebook group, “Remembrance for Cameron Bruce.” The group has over 600 members.
“Cameron was the most wonderful person in my life. His presence was the greatest gift and his beautiful soul will stay with me forever. Rest in peace Cam, I’ll be seeing you,” one poster wrote.
“It was such a privilege to grow up with Cameron. I am a better person for the time we spent together and I know he had that effect on everyone who’s [sic] life he touched,” another poster wrote.
“There are no words right now. Rest in peace, my friend,” wrote someone else.