Update to Stanford community on death of student

Updated: March 10, 2019

Kelly Catlin (Image credit: Courtesy of Catlin family)

Stanford is deeply saddened to confirm the death of Kelly Catlin, a first-year master’s student in computational and mathematical engineering.

The university has been in touch with Kelly’s family to extend our heartfelt condolences. Stanford mourns Kelly’s loss, and our deepest sympathies are with her family, friends and loved ones.

In addition to being a member of the Stanford community, Kelly Catlin was an accomplished cyclist. She was a three-time UCI Track Cycling world champion, 2016 Olympic silver medalist, USA Cycling National Team member and Rally Cycling professional cyclist.

The message below, sent to students on Friday by Susie Brubaker-Cole, vice provost for student affairs, includes resources for anyone in our community who needs support. Particularly in a time of grief and loss, we encourage members of our community to reach out to one another with care and concern, and to reach out to the university resources offered below.

March 8, 2019

To our student community,

I am heartbroken to share the news of the death of a graduate student in our community. The student, a master’s student in Computational and Mathematical Engineering, was discovered by a roommate overnight in their on-campus residence.

We are in the process of reaching out to the family right now, and thus we are not in a position to share the identity of the student. There is no indication of foul play.

It is wrenching to have to report this news to you, even more so following the deaths of other members of our community who have passed away recently. Our thoughts and hearts are with the family and friends of the student who passed away last night. Our thoughts, also, are focused on continuing to strengthen our support for our community.

We are reaching out to friends and departmental colleagues of the student. In addition, the Office for Religious Life is organizing a gathering this afternoon for anyone in our campus community who is experiencing sorrow and grief due to the loss of a loved one. Please consider joining us at 4 p.m. in the Common Room of the CIRCLE, which is on the third floor of Old Union.

Many other support resources are available on our campus. It is not, in any way, a failing to seek help. Our resources include:

• Counseling and Psychological Services offers crisis counseling. Walk-in appointments are available, and clinicians are always on call at (650) 723-3785.
• The Graduate Life Office is available during office hours at (650) 736-7078, or 24/7 at (650) 723-8222, pager ID number 25085.
• The Bridge Peer Counseling Center offers counseling by trained students 24/7 at (650) 723-3392.
• The Office for Religious Life offers spiritual guidance for students. Call (650) 723-1762 or visit the Round Room at Memorial Church.
• The Faculty and Staff Help Center, located in Kingscote Gardens, offers confidential help for Stanford faculty and staff.
• If you are aware of someone in distress, contact CAPS, the Department of Public Safety or the Office of the Dean of Students.

It is a great sorrow to have to share this news with you. Please take good care of yourselves, your friends and your loved ones. I know that we will all be watchful for those in need and will be ready to support one another.

Sincerely,

Susie Brubaker-Cole
Vice Provost for Student Affairs