Sallyportal: Madly Blogging Reed

Tragic Loss of Beloved Alumnus

By Mike Brody, Dean of Students on May 28, 2015 09:54 AM

Mark Angeles ’15, beloved friend and classmate.

Dear Reed,

It is with great sorrow that I report the tragic loss of a 2015 Reed alumnus, Mark Angeles. While riding his bike near SE Gladstone and Cesar Chavez Boulevard, Mark suffered fatal injuries in an accident involving a tow truck on Wednesday, May 27. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A tribute to Mark. May he ride in peace.

Mark graduated with a major in chemistry just last week. As a result of his many accomplishments, he was recognized as one of Reed’s “12 for 15.” He was well-known and well-loved throughout campus.

Mark's family is mourning in private and at some point will likely want to include members of the Reed community in a celebration of Mark's life. We will provide information as it becomes available. In the meantime, we extend to Mark’s family and his many friends our deepest condolences.

As the Reed community grieves, I want to make sure you're aware of the various resources available to help students, faculty, and staff.

Students
Although the Health & Counseling Center is closed for routine clinical services during the summer break, clinical staff will be available to meet with individuals or groups for support during this difficult time. Please call the HCC at 503/777-7281 to arrange a meeting with a clinician.

The Portland-based Dougy Center provides help in a safe place for those who are grieving a death. The center offers support groups for 18-to-25 year olds, where experiences and support may be shared. They are located at 3909 SE 52nd Ave; the telephone number is 503/775-5683.

In addition, ProtoCall at 866/432-1224, a help line for students with psychological and emotional concerns, remains available to Reed students during summer break. 

Staff and faculty
Counseling is available for faculty and staff members through EAP, Reed’s employee assistance program. Counselors are available by phone 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, Call Cascade anytime for assistance at 800/433-2320.

I hope you will find some peace of mind and solace in this very difficult time and that you will do what you can to offer the same to others as we struggle together to cope with this terrible loss.
 
Sincerely, 
Mike Brody
Vice President and Dean of Students
Reed College
503.777.7270

UPDATE. We would like to share this statement from Mark's family:

Mark was the best kind of person. He was passionate and driven, but at the same time incredibly loving. He made it his mission every single day to simply love people, in whatever way that looked like. He had eyes that could always see the good in other people, even when all they could see was bad. He was a true and unique light to this world, and he will be sorely missed. Thank you, Mark, for touching lives simply by being yourself.

Family and friends have established a memorial fellowship.

Tags: heartbreak