Content warning: Death
The University of Stirling is providing support to students and staff after the death of a first-year student in university accommodation.
On October 10, the University confirmed that BSc Paramedic Science student Melissa Young had died.
Emergency services were seen at the John Forty’s student accommodation at around 9pm on October 8, where witnesses reported seeing paramedics and police enter the halls.
The accommodation is located off-campus, near the Stirling Old Bridge.
In an internal notice provided to students and staff, the University said they were “saddened” by the news, and Melissa will be “very sadly missed”.
The notice said: “We know that this is an extremely difficult time for those who knew Melissa personally, and our priority now is to ensure that students and staff affected by Melissa’s death are supported.”
The police are not treating the death as suspicious.
This is the second death within the University of Stirling’s accommodation this year, after 18-year-old Ruben Agado died in the Alexander Court accommodation in February.
There is also an ongoing appeal for missing student Yuxin Cao, who has not been seen since Monday, September 1.
24/7 Student Support Line
The University has signposted students and staff to several support resources available online and in person.
Students can access the free 24/7 student support helpline from Spectrum.Life for emotional wellbeing support.
How to access the student support helpline:
- Call 0800 031 8227 (freephone UK) or 00353 1 518 0277 (international).
- Arrange a call back via WhatsApp by texting ‘Hi’ to 07418 360 780.
- Sign up for Spectrum.Life to arrange a call through their live chat (organisation code: Stirling).
There is also a drop-in session tomorrow, October 15, at Loch View between 1pm and 3.30pm
Further support can be found online here.
Department message
Professor Jayne Donaldson, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, said: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the death of our student Melissa Young.
“Melissa was a first-year Paramedic Science student, and she will be deeply missed by her fellow students, tutors and the wider university community.
“We share our condolences with Melissa’s family and friends at such a difficult time, and they are at the forefront of our thoughts.
“We continue to be in contact with Melissa’s family and with Police Scotland.
“Our priority is to ensure that students, staff and Melissa’s family are fully supported.”
Featured image credit: University of Stirling
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