Death of student Harrison P. Durant

Read this notice to the Elon community by Jon Dooley, vice president for student life:

December 8, 2017

Dear members of the Elon community,

It brings me great sadness to share the news of the death of Elon student Harrison P. Durant. Harrison was the son of John and Elizabeth Durant of Arlington, Massachusetts. He was a senior majoring in computing sciences.

Town of Elon Police were called to Harrison’s off-campus residence this morning. They are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of his death. Elon Student Life staff members are in the process reaching out to support his roommates, friends, classmates, and faculty members.

There will be a “Gathering of Friends” Saturday evening for all who wish to share their feelings of loss and reflect on fond memories and special moments with Harrison. The gathering will be at 6:00 p.m. in the Numen Lumen Pavilion.

The loss of a classmate, friend, and student is devastating to our community and this news reaches us at a particularly difficult time of year. Elon’s counseling staff and the chaplain’s staff are available as we begin the grieving process. In particular, those who knew Harrison may benefit from speaking with a staff member or counselor. Truitt Center chaplains and counselors will be available at the Numen Lumen Pavilion today all day today until 5:00 p.m. and the Sacred Space will be open for quiet reflection. 

Anyone who would like to talk about their feelings of loss or concern for themselves or others may contact Counseling Services at 336-278-7280 during regular hours. Chaplains may be reached through the Truitt Center at 336-278-7729. Crisis counselors and chaplain’s staff are available after hours by contacting Campus Safety and Police at 336-278-5555. The Student Life administrator-on-call may also be reached at any time by calling that same number, 336-278-5555.  

If you have questions or if we can be of assistance, please let me know. 

Jon Dooley
Vice President for Student Life