The entire University of Nottingham community is devastated by the loss of two of our students, Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar.
The two 19-year-olds were walking home in the early hours of Tuesday 13th June when their lives were tragically cut short.
They had just finished their first year of study at the University.
Grace – a Medical student who played International Hockey for both the U16 and U18 England Hockey Team – has been described by Vice-Chancellor Shearer West as “Thriving in her first year of study…. a talented sportswoman….held in the highest regard by her tutors and team mates alike.”
Shearer West said that Barnaby – a History student and member of UoN’s cricket team – is remembered by his tutors as “fun, friendly, and full of life in his seminars”.
The cricket team commented that Barnaby was “a much loved and popular member of the cricket club who threw himself into everything he did.”
A vigil was held on Wednesday on the Portland steps for the two students.
“the shockwaves echo through our student community”
Speaking at the service, the Students’ Union Community Officer, Daisy Forster, discussed the devastating loss to everyone at UoN: “What was taken from us yesterday will never be given back, and the shockwaves echo through our student community.”
Voicing her support for the family and friends of Barnaby and Grace, she continued: “I cannot possibly comprehend the pain and grief that you must feel today. But please remember that you have 38,000 students standing behind you and, as a University community, we will always be here when you need us.”
The Reverend Grant Walton, who hosted the vigil, told attendees that they could pay tribute to Barnaby and Grace inside the Portland Building by writing messages of condolence.
The University has confirmed that it is providing support to the victims’ family and friends.
Impact extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Barnaby, Grace and to Ian Coates – a third victim of Tuesday morning’s attacks.
For students and staff at the University who would like to speak to someone about the events, a support line has been set up. You can call the number between 8am – 7pm: 01157487900
In addition to this, you can contact Nightline – a confidential, anonymous listening service, which is run by UoN students for students every night between 7pm – 8am: 01159514985
Featured image courtesy of the University of Nottingham via Twitter. No changes were made to this image.
