Staff and students attend funeral of George Crawford

Posted 30 October 2018

Staff and students from Harper Adams University today travelled to the Scottish Borders to attend the funeral of George Crawford, the first year student who tragically died at the start of term.

The Harper Adams community has rallied together since the death of George, who was a new undergraduate student, on October 7.

George, from Melrose, had enrolled at Harper Adams in late September, commencing his higher education in agriculture after completing a college course in Penrith.

Vice Chancellor, Dr David Llewellyn, said: “We were deeply upset to learn the sad news about George and have since been doing all we can to help his family and to assist the investigation by the authorities of this tragic incident.

“Students at the University have been given support to come to terms with the loss of someone who had already become a new friend to many in our close-knit community. The University has also assisted with arrangements for a group of students and staff members to travel north to attend the funeral today.

“Our students and student wardens have been marvellous in the way that they have shown their respect for George and his family, but have also found ways to celebrate the life of someone who was taken from us far too soon and who will be greatly missed”.

Residents of George’s hall of residence have been supporting each other since they heard the news of his death. Many students left tributes to the 20-year-old on the door of his room at the university.

And the wider student community united in George’s name during the following Wednesday night’s event in the Students’ Union bar when, after a short tribute speech, there was a one-minute silence before some of George’s favourite songs were played, starting with Stars by Coldplay.

The students were encouraged by one of his Hall wardens to “appreciate life, tell your friends you love them and in classic George fashion, take hold of every opportunity that comes your way”.