UBC Okanagan gives update after security guard killed in an incident at the campus

Dear campus community,

I want to update you on an incident that took place on our campus over the weekend. One of our security personnel was assaulted by a worker in the University Centre building. We were informed that the guard succumbed to her injuries. To protect her privacy and that of her family, we are not identifying her at this time.

This is the kind of communication with our community that I hoped never to have to deliver.

We are devastated that something like this would happen on our campus. My heart and my thoughts, and those of everyone at UBCO, go to the family.

I understand that there will be many questions around this incident and we are working very closely with the RCMP and our partners to provide any assistance required in the investigation.

There will be plenty of opportunity to try to understand the circumstances of this tragedy over the coming weeks but our immediate priority is to support the family and individuals affected.

All of our security personnel are deeply valued members of our campus community. They work tirelessly every day to keep our students, faculty and staff safe and to be a welcoming, friendly and reassuring face when help is needed.

This is an incredibly difficult time for our campus and I ask that we all respect the privacy and dignity of our community members.

I also want to stress that this was an isolated incident that did not involve students and that does not pose an ongoing risk to campus safety.

I also understand that many on campus will feel shaken by this news and I encourage everyone to seek out the support and services offered to students, faculty and staff.

UBC Human Resources mental health resources

UBCO Student Health and wellbeing resources

Thank you for your compassion and understanding.

Sincerely,

Lesley Cormack

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal

UBC Okanagan