Community grief after death of UBC students: Psych prof

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — UBC Psychology Professor Benjamin Cheung says the death of two 18-year-old students will no doubt have rippled effects through the university community, but coming together may help those impacted.

Cheung encourages students and staff to help one another, saying in times of collective grief, being with others who understand your pain can offer a sense of community and support.

“Collective grieving is also a powerful tool to address these emotions as well. When we go through something together, we are also equipped to help each other,” says Cheung, adding everybody grieves differently and has a different capacity to help others.

It’s normal to feel sadness and anger over what happened, he says.

The two students were killed when a car jumped the curb and hit them while walking around campus early Sunday morning.

The 21-year-old man who was driving the vehicle was arrested, hospitalized with minor injuries, and released to appear in court at a later date, according to RCMP.

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Students who feel they need help coping with what happened should reach out to UBC mental health services, Cheung says.

“If people who are really affected by this want to help each other out, I would really encourage them to do so,” he says.

Cheung says it’s important to accept the impact of grief and emotional needs as they arise.

Grief and trauma counseling supports are available to the community, UBC President Santa Ono reminded staff and students in a statement.

Today our UBC community is mourning the tragic deaths of two students.

Please read this statement from the President and Vice-Chancellor: https://t.co/hqakW7UXuv pic.twitter.com/bIWk5H9Qao

— UBC Media Relations (@ubcnews) September 26, 2021

“It is difficult to comprehend and express the enormity of the loss of these two bright and promising young adults. On behalf of the university, I wish to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones,” Ono’s statement reads. “Our community mourns with you.”

University RCMP is still figuring out if speed or impairment were involved in the crash, and is seeking any witnesses or dashcam video of the incident. Anyone with related information should contact them at 604-224-1322.

With files from Lasia Kretzel and Charlie Carey.