It is with the deepest sorrow that I share the news that one of our students succumbed on Friday to fatal injuries she endured early that morning at Seabright State Beach. Officers with the Santa Cruz Police Department were called to the scene and, along with first responders, attempted to save her life. She was taken to Dominican Hospital, where she later died. At the family’s request, we are not sharing her name.
Samuel Brannigan Stone, a student who was no longer enrolled, has been arrested on suspicion of homicide and booked into Santa Cruz County Jail. The two had known each other, according to police.
News of this crime is deeply unsettling, and we are doing all we can to support those in our community affected by this senseless tragedy. Please know that we have resources in place if you need help dealing with this tragic loss or processing the news. UC Santa Cruz students can reach out either to Counseling and Psychological Services or Slug Support. For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program offers counseling and other support.
I offer my sincerest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, teachers and classmates. Her loss is heartbreaking.
