June 26, 2002

Contact: Todd Cohen, University Relations, (785) 864-8858.

Statement by Chancellor Hemenway on death today of student Xun Sun

University of Kansas Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway made the following statement in response to the death this morning of Xun Sun, 32, from Changchun, Jilin province of China, and a master's degree student in the School of Business. Mr. Sun died today at St. Mary's Hospital, Grand Junction, Colo., from injuries sustained in a car accident Saturday. He had lived in Lawrence since enrolling last fall. He primarily attended classes at KU's Edwards Campus in Overland Park. University officials are assisting Mr. Sun's family in China and friends in the United States in making international travel and other arrangements.

"I am saddened to learn of the fatal injuries suffered by Xun Sun. It is with a heavy heart that I extend, on behalf of the university, our deepest condolences to his parents, family and friends for the untimely and tragic loss of this exuberant young man."