Dear Campus Community, 

We write with heavy hearts as the full toll of the stampede in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday night becomes apparent. At least 149 young people, mostly teenagers and young adults in their 20s, were killed when a crowd celebrating Halloween surged into an alley in the Itaewon nightlife area of the capital. Dozens more were injured in the stampede.

The students, staff and faculty of the Utah Asia Campus—and international students studying at our Salt Lake City campus—have been profoundly affected by the tragedy. We express our deepest sympathy and condolences for those impacted by the injuries and loss of friends and family members.

Utah Asia Campus leaders are working with local authorities in South Korea to determine if any members of the Incheon Global Campus community are directly involved. The International Student and Scholar Services department (ISSS) is reaching out to Korean students on our campus to offer support.

Counseling and support services are being offered to Asia Campus community members. For students, faculty and staff in Salt Lake City, mental health and other resources also are available. We ask that you reach out to those you know who may be struggling with the uncertainty and grief caused by this tragic accident. They will need your caring and compassion through this difficult time.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns as we continue to gather information. As more details become available, we will communicate directly with the campus community members impacted.

Lori McDonald
Vice President for Student Affairs

Randy McCrillis

Dean of Students, Utah Asia Campus