Saying goodbye to someone you care about is never easy.
Moving on without that person is even harder.
This semester, many of us at the Downtown campus will have to do just that.
Two weeks ago, as most students were home with families for winter break, Downtown sophomore Daniel Kemp ended his own life. He had just turned 20.
Although news coverage of a suicide often only causes pain for the family and loved ones of the deceased, in this case, we feel it is necessary to address Daniel’s death.
In our close-knit community, many of the people who work together also study and live together. At the Downtown Devil, many of our readers are also our friends and classmates.
Daniel never worked for the Downtown Devil, but he was a close friend to many of us on staff.
Daniel was more than a reader to us. He was a lighthearted comedian, a helpful ear, a mentee, a Bay Area sports fan, a classic-rock aficionado, a roommate and one hell of a kickball player.
Daniel was family.
News of his death was heartbreaking and frustrating. In a profession where we seek truth and look for answers, no one could find anything to explain away the sudden tragedy. Some questions can never be answered, and some things can’t be undone.
Yet the outpouring of support and compassion from students, faculty, staff and community members has been nothing short of inspiring.
In many cities and on many college campuses, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd.
But downtown Phoenix and the ASU Downtown campus are nothing if not a network of close-knit, impassioned people who care about each other.
Daniel was and always will be a part of not just our family at the Downtown Devil but the family that is the ASU Downtown campus.
Daniel’s legacy will live on in each of us. We won’t forget him.
And, as classes resume, let’s not forget that we are here for each other.
It’s what makes our campus a place worth calling home.
Any questions can be directed to news@downtowndevil.com
