Fairfield University mourns death of second-year student | Press Releases

The Fairfield University community is mourning the untimely death of Alejandro Carrion, 20, a sophomore from Miami, Fla. At this time the cause of death is unknown. As is customary in such circumstances, authorities were summoned and an investigation is being conducted.

Upon learning of Alejandro's death, University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., said, "The community is shaken by the sudden and tragic loss of a valued member of the Fairfield family. We invite everyone to pray for Alejandro, his family, and his friends."

A Memorial Mass will be said at 6 p.m. tonight (Friday) in The Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The staffs from Counseling Services, Campus Ministry and the Office of Residence Life have taken steps to reach out to students, particularly those close to Alejandro and are available to assist anyone who needs help in dealing with this loss.

A politics major, Alejandro was described by Dr. Edward Dew, professor of politics, as "One of the sweetest, most good-natured students I have ever had. From the beginning he just had a lovely, lovely attitude. He had a lot of promise."

Alejandro, who was known to many of his friends as Alex, was a resident of Loyola Hall and a student in the College of Arts and Sciences. He was active in the Pep Band and the College Republicans. Duane Melzer who conducts the Pep Band said, "Alex was the type of kid you'd want as your own. He wasn't a partier or someone who headed for the fast lane. He was always a stabilizing influence who looked out for his friends."

Melzer said Alex was a popular and talented musician, who had even filled in as the team mascot when needed. Melzer met earlier today with the Pep Band members and said "This is a great shock to all of us. He will be deeply missed."