A month after his passing, TRU is still mourning the loss of Jatin Garg, an international student from India, whose body was recovered from the Thompson River on July 15, following a search that began when he was reported missing on July 6.
According to a report from CFJC Today, Garg had entered the river at Overlander Park to retrieve a volleyball when he disappeared. His body was later located near McArthur Island by an off-duty member of Kamloops Search and Rescue who happened to be paddling the river.
In an email, Dean of the Gaglardi School of Business and Economics Mike Henry expressed condolences to the TRU community, noting that the school is also grieving the loss of another student, Anotida Maziriri.
“Both students were young, bright people who were contributing to our school and community and building a life here in Kamloops,” the email states. “The shock of these tragedies ripples across us all.”
TRU has been working directly with Garg’s family in India to support them through the difficult process of travel, logistics and funeral arrangements.
Vice-President International Baihua Chadwick told CFJC Today that TRU World staff are assisting with visas, flights and locating a funeral home. “Our team is sadly too experienced in this,” Chadwick said. “They know exactly what to do, and they will be following the steps to provide that service to the family.”
A GoFundMe campaign–which has since stopped accepting donations–was launched to help cover the cost of repatriating Garg’s body to India. The total amount of donations reached $30,952.
To those processing the loss, TRU President Airini offered a message of support and community. “We are not alone in this,” Airini said. “Please do lean into your community. Reach out to a classmate, a colleague, or a friend. Share a story or simply sit quietly together. Sometimes, the most meaningful care is found in offering time and a listening ear.”