More sad news from the Columbia community tonight.  John David Fernandez, CC ’12, passed away over the weekend because of complications from pneumonia.

A self-described Misesian libertarian, he was Vice President of the Columbia Libertarians and helped organize and host several on-campus libertarian events.

We’ll keep you updated with information about memorial services.

Our thoughts are with John and his family and friends.

The University’s official statement follows.

Dear Students,

It is with deep sadness and regret that I write to inform you of the loss of one of our students.

John David Fernandez, a sophomore in Columbia College, passed away last evening from complications related to pneumonia. We have been in close contact with David’s family, who shared with us how much David loved Columbia and enjoyed his time here among friends and classmates. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Fernandez family for this terrible loss. Please keep them in your thoughts in the days ahead.

With the death of David, we grieve the loss of an enthusiastic and active member in our community. David was involved in the Columbia University Libertarians and had been elected by the Ivy League Alliance for Liberty to assemble the organization’s founding publication. He participated in Mises University at the Ludwig von Mises Institute to further his own knowledge of Austrian economics, libertarianism, and political theory. Resolute in his beliefs, David was also an occasional columnist for the Columbia Spectator.

We will provide details regarding a funeral and memorial services planned to remember and honor David, as they become available.

Especially during this difficult time, I encourage you to rely on one another and University offices. You may seek support from professional staff by calling the Center for Student Advising (854-6378), Counseling and Psychological Services (854-2878), or the Office of the University Chaplain (854-1493). Members of our Residential Programs staff are also available to provide support in the residence halls and may be reached by calling 854-6805.

I know we are united in mourning the loss of such a promising and inspiring member of our community.

Kind regards,

Kevin G. Shollenberger
Dean of Student Affairs
Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Student Life
Arts and Sciences