The Elon University senior passed away on September 10. A Gathering of Friends was held in his memory Sept. 11 in the Numen Lumen Pavilion.
Fellow students and faculty members filled the Sacred Space in the Numen Lumen Pavilion Sunday night to remember Derek Winton, an Elon senior who died early Saturday. Friends and professors remembered Winton for his friendliness, sense of humor, ability to foster relationships and his kindness.
Winton passed away at Alamance Regional Medical Center, with Elon Dean of Students Smith Jackson sending out the following note to the Elon community to mourn his passing:
Dear members of the Elon community,
I am deeply saddened to share the news of the death of Elon student Derek C. Winton. He passed away at Alamance Regional Medical Center early this morning. Derek was the son of Julie and David Winton of Belmont, Massachusetts. He was a senior majoring in sport and event management. He was a former Teaching Fellow, member of the Premier Sport and Event Society, the vice president of Sigma Pi Fraternity and was a tutor for young children in the It Takes a Village Project.
Elon University Police were called to Derek’s off-campus apartment on West Lebanon Avenue about 12:45 a.m. where they found him unresponsive. They were joined by other first responders who performed CPR and rushed Derek to the hospital.
Town of Elon Police are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of Derek’s death, but they say there is no sign of foul play.
There will be a “Gathering of Friends” tomorrow, Sunday, for all who wish to share their feelings of loss and reflect on fond memories and special moments with Derek. The gathering will be at 7 p.m. in the Numen Lumen Pavilion.
The loss of a classmate, friend and student is devastating to our community and reminds us that the life of each person in our community is precious. Elon’s counseling staff and the chaplain’s staff are available as we begin the grieving process. In particular, those who knew Derek may benefit from speaking with a staff member or counselor.
Truitt Center chaplains will be available at the Numen Lumen Pavilion today from 1 to 4 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 others may contact Counseling Services at 336-278-7280 during regular hours. Counselors and the 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 336-278-5555 at any time.
If you have questions or if I can be of assistance, please email me at jacksons@elon.edu or call at 336-278-7220.
Smith Jackson
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
Services for Derek Winton
The family of Derek Winton will hold visiting hours from 5 to 8 pm, with a memorial service on Saturday, September 17, at 10 a.m. These services will be held at: Hancock United Church of Christ, 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington MA, 02421.