News

Police seek information after death of student

(27 February 2004)

Staff and students in the University are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of a Collingwood College student, Stephen Shaw. Police say it appears to be a tragic accident and are seeking information from anyone who can help.

Stephen, who was in his second year at the University, reading Classics, was found dead near the north wall of the Cathedral on Thursday. He was lying in a sunken pathway, or dry moat, a few feet below the level of the graveyard.

It is not clear how Stephen came to be there but the Police are not treating the incident as suspicious. They would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area during the night or early morning, or anyone who may know anything of Stephen's movements during the same period. They are asked to contact Durham police on 0191 386 4222.

Stephen (20), who came from Middlesex, spent his first year living in College and was currently sharing a house with other students in the Gilesgate area of Durham.

Members of the College were told the tragic news this morning after Stephen's family had been contacted.

Messages of sympathy are going from the College and from the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the University.

27 February 2004