Raymond Chase

Meet Raymond Chase, age 19.  On Wednesday Sept 29th, 2010, Raymond hung himself in his dorm room.  Raymond, who was openly gay,  was a Culinary Arts Major at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Information on this story is sparse, though I will update this entry as more information becomes available.

From PerezHilton.COM:

Ronald Martel, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, sent the following email to students on Thursday.

Today I contact you with the deeply sad news of the passing of Raymond Chase, sophomore, 19, culinary arts major. The campus community is mourning the loss of this vibrant young man who leaves many JWU friends and teachers, and a loving family of Monticello, New York.

Funeral arrangements are not available at this time. As we obtain more information that can be shared, we will do so. Ray's JWU friends and the university are planning a memorial service for the campus community. Those details will be forthcoming.

In the meantime, I encourage anyone who is having a difficult time to seek the services available at Student Counseling. Our staff of professionals is here to work with all of you during this sorrowful time. Their help and confidentiality is a benefit that you should consider.

Student Counseling services are available at the The Friedman Center, 2nd floor, Harborside Campus and at Wales (formerly Plantations) Hall, 2nd Floor, Downcity Campus. Call 401-598-1016 to reach both locations.

By expressing the university community's condolences to Ray's family, I join you during this time of bereavement.

Sources:
http://perezhilton.com/2010-09-30-suicide_crisis_in_america