Service Information

NEWARK, N.J. (March 4, 2018) - The entire Rutgers University-Newark community is mourning the tragic loss of freshman Adrian Velazquez who passed away Saturday morning in an automobile accident in Delaware. 

Below is the Rutgers-Newark statement from Chancellor Nancy Cantor.

Dear Rutgers University – Newark community members,
 
It is with the most profound sadness that I write regarding the sudden and tragic loss of our student, Adrian Velazquez, in an accident yesterday in Delaware. A first-year student in the College of Arts & Sciences who attended high school just across the river in Kearny, Adrian was just beginning to explore his academic interests to select a major, but was as committed to success in the classroom as he was on the soccer field, where he was a defensive anchor of the men's soccer team whose play exuded his passion for the game. He inspired deep affection among his teammates and classmates, as well as in his hometown, with which he maintained strong connections.
 
Compounding this tragedy is that RU-N students Jose Barillas and Andres Medina were traveling with Adrian and were injured and are receiving treatment. Both are sophomores in Rutgers Business School who attended St. Benedict's Prep, Jose from Newark and Andres from Howell, New Jersey. We are sending our most fervent wishes for a speedy recovery to them as we continue marshaling support for them.
 
A tragedy like this can affect us in different and sometimes unexpected ways, so please keep in mind that we have counseling services available for any member of our community. Students at Rutgers University – Newark may contact the Counseling Center at 973.353.5805. Employees across Rutgers may contact University Human Resources/Faculty Staff & Assistance Program at 848.932.3956.
 
Our hearts are broken for Adrian's mother, Tania, his father, Javier, brothers Alexi and Daniel, as well as for his teammates and fellow athletes, friends and neighbors of the Kearny community, and all who knew him. We also extend deepest sympathies to the St. Benedict's community for the loss of Alfahtee Heuy, an alumnus of that school and friend of our students who was traveling with them and who also tragically lost his life.
 
We will share memorial plans when they become available.
 
In shared sadness,
Nancy Cantor
Chancellor

Arrangements for Adrian can be found by clicking here.