Events planned to memorialize slain UConn student

Although University of Connecticut students have been dealing with the murder of football star Jasper Howard their own way, university officials have organized several events this week to help them grieve.

Howard, 20, of Miami, died Sunday morning [Oct. 18] after he was stabbed following an altercation at a school dance outside the Student Union building.

He died of one stab wound to the abdomen, the state’s Chief Medical Examiner said on Monday. His death has been ruled a homicide.

Students, as well as non-students, have been joining countless Facebook groups to memorialize Howard.

Facebook is a popular social networking web site open to anyone and allows for people to communicate online (at www.Facebook.com.)

In addition to giving their condolences and remembering Howard online, impromptu vigils have begun popping up around campus with students coming together to support one another – including two Monday evening, one hosted by UConn football players.

University-sponsored events include:

• Today: A “Day of Silence” hosted by the Black Student Association. Students and others connected to the university are asked to wear dark clothing and unite in mourning the loss of Howard.

• Oct. 21: A candlelight vigil on the Student Union Mall, off Hillside Road, at 6 p.m. The university will provide candles for the event.

• Oct. 22: A “Day of Reflection,” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Student Union lobby. There, people are asked to write a note or a letter in Howard’s memory. The notes will be given to Howard’s family.

• Oct. 23: A second “Day of Reflection.” In addition to the current events scheduled, a formal all-campus memorial service will be scheduled in the upcoming weeks.

Less than 24 hours before his death, Howard helped lead the Huskies to a win over Louisville at Rentschler Field during UConn’s homecoming weekend.

Celebrating the win, Howard attended a university-sponsored dance at the Student Union.

During the event, a fire alarm was pulled and more than 300 students and non-students were forced to evacuate the building.

Once outside, an altercation between students and non-students resulted in Howard and another university student being stabbed. According to the Connecticut Post, Brian Parker, another football player, was the student stabbed.

Parker was treated and released from Windham Community Memorial Hospital.

News reports also indicate that there is an arrest pending, although it is not clear whether the suspect is accused of the assault or was otherwise involved in the fight.

Posted Oct. 20, 2009