Message to Our Community

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It is with immense sadness that I write to notify you of the death of two Syracuse University students, Chengye Hou and Yifan Tao.

Chengye and Yifan, both originally from China, were graduate students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Chengye earned his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 2015, and was pursuing his master’s in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Yifan was a first-year master’s student studying mechanical and aerospace engineering. Both were expected to graduate in 2017.

They, along with another student, were involved in a car accident that occurred overnight, about five miles from campus. The other student is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

I join Chancellor Syverud and the entire University community in extending our heartfelt sympathies during this painful time. Our thoughts are with their families and friends, and all those impacted by this tragedy.

As we mourn together, students seeking support can contact the Counseling Center 24-hours a day, seven days a week at 315-443-4715, or the Office of Student Assistance at 315-443-4357. For faculty and staff, assistance is available through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program at 315-443-1087 and on the Faculty and Staff Assistance website. For additional support and services, the campus community may also contact Hendricks Chapel at 315-443-2901.

With sadness,

Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz
Senior Vice President and Dean
Division of Student Affairs