The College community mourns the sudden death of Jonia, our first student from East Timor, LPCUWC 2004-06, who drowned in the US in a tragic accident on 2nd June.
Jonia was attending St Lawrence University in New York, and the President of St Lawrence has issued the following statement:
“It is my very sad responsibility to confirm the accidental death on Saturday, June 2, of Jonia Mendonca Guterres “10, who had begun a summer job as a student worker at Canaras Conference Center. The New York State Police investigated and the Franklin County Coroner has determined that Jonia died from asphyxiation due to freshwater drowning in Upper Saranac Lake.
Canaras student workers had the day free from responsibilities on Saturday. Jonia was last seen in the afternoon on a floating platform that is in a roped-off swimming area on the west shore of the lake. She was reported missing at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday evening; law enforcement divers were called and her body was found in eight feet of water at approximately 11 p.m. Official reports indicate no evidence of foul play.
Jonia, who preferred the name “Sonia,” was from Dili, Democratic Republic of Timor, Leste, and intended to major in global studies. She was involved in the Gospel Choir and the African Student Union. In addition, she was a member of the Dance Ensemble and played basketball in her spare time. Those who knew her speak of her radiant smile and vibrant personality.
In her year at St. Lawrence, Sonia began to make the most of every experience, and the promise of her time with us was very bright indeed. I spoke with her very recently about her summer plans and knew she was excited and eager to meet alumni and friends at Canaras. Our grief at her passing is made even more poignant when we know of her delight at the prospect of her time in the Adirondacks.
We sent a team of Student Life professionals to Canaras to assist her fellow student workers as they mourn the loss of their friend. Students on campus who wish to speak with a counselor can contact or visit the Torrey Health Center or call x5555 to be assisted. Finally, we will arrange for a memorial service after we talk with Jonia s family and learn more about their wishes.
Ann and I send our most heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Jonia. She will be missed greatly by many.”
St Lawrence University has a web page where many fitting tributes to Jonia are being posted, the address being http://www.stlawu.edu/ucomm/studentdeath0607.html
Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Jonia, as many of our staff and former students did, will be shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of such a vivacious, humble, courageous and enchanting young woman. Our world is poorer because of this tragedy.
(Dr) Stephen Codrington
Principal
This page was last updated on July 23, 2008.
