Kenneth Clarke, the American University student who was struck by a car in late March, has passed away, Fanta Aw, vice president of campus life and inclusive excellence, said in a campus-wide email Friday morning.
Clarke’s parents are pastors in the United Methodist Church, Mark Schaefer, University chaplain, said. He was a member of a campus group for children of Methodist clergy, Schaefer said.
Clarke was hit by a car at 10:26 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27 at the intersection of Western Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue NW, near the Friendship Heights Metro station, D.C. Fire and EMS told The Eagle in late March. Clarke was a freshman in the School of International Service. He died from the "consequences of a severe traumatic brain injury and brain bleed sustained after being hit by a car last week," Aw said. A GoFundMe page raising money for his medical expenses had raised more than $30,000 as of Friday morning.
“The tremendous outpouring of support for him and his family in recent days is a testimony to the powerful effect Kenneth had on our university community in his all too short time with us,” Aw wrote.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, April 8 at 4 p.m. in Kay Chapel. Students who are grieving are encouraged to visit Counseling Center drop-in hours, which are weekdays from 2-4 p.m. The Counseling Center staff will also be available from 12-2 p.m. Friday in Butler Conference Room A-B. The Dean of Students staff is also available for drop-ins on weekdays from 2-4 p.m. to support students who are concerned about their academics.
Faculty and staff who are grieving may contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program at 202-885-2593.
“As we grieve the loss of a promising young student, please take time to be there for one another,” Aw wrote.
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