President David Skorton sent the following message of support to the Cornell community Jan. 28:

In recent days, we have been challenged by sadness and loss following the accidental death of undergraduate Oluchukwu Onuora and staff member Angela Stedwell. I offer my deepest condolences to their friends and families.

All of us are affected when a tragedy occurs within our community. I encourage you to reach out to one another with sympathy and concern, and to take advantage of the many support resources available through Gannett Health Services and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Counseling can help greatly when we are dealing with grief and other strong emotions that follow sudden loss.

Both Angela and Oluchukwu died after being struck by vehicles. Even when individual pedestrians and drivers follow every precaution, tragic accidents still can occur. While we do not yet know the outcome of the ongoing investigations of their deaths – one on campus and the other in town – please take time to consider what we could do, together and individually, to increase the safety of everyone using our streets and sidewalks.

In our strong, caring community, we are here for one another. Following these tragic deaths, we each can offer and receive the compassionate support we need.