Collegiate Times

The recent death of freshman Brian McCloskey has affected the lives of family and friends who knew him well. He became a familiar face in his dorm, Thomas Hall, and made many friends and acquaintances on campus.

?He had three sisters and a stepbrother. He was close to all his siblings and his parents. They?re all devastated by the tragedy,? said Cathlyn Cox, freshman university studies major, who was McCloskey?s girlfriend.

According to friends, he was always going out of his way to make others feel welcome.

?Just being around him with his wonderful personality and his unforgettable smile was enough to make anyone happy,? said Charlotte Lauren, freshman engineering major. ?He was the type of person to enjoy every day and live life to the fullest. Everyone that met him fell in love with him instantly.?

Maureen Murray, freshman business major, said that McCloskey was not the type of person to get into a fight.
?He never made any situation awkward when I saw him around campus, and I always thought he was a wholesome kid,? Murray said.

Cox said that McCloskey always put others before himself.

?He was one of the nicest guys I?ve ever known. He never had anything bad to say about anyone,? Cox said.
Cox said that McCloskey played lacrosse in high school, and enjoyed watching Tech football and the Redskins.
?He was like any average guy; he played video games in his free time,? she said.

Lauren said that McCloskey will be sorely missed.

?Virginia Tech will never be the same,? she said.

Blacksburg police confirmed that McCloskey underwent an autopsy Nov. 11 but said officers do not yet have any further information available.

An 18-year-old Virginia Tech student, McCloskey died Nov.10 in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital after being found severely injured during the early morning hours of Nov. 5 on a bike trail along the 1400 block of Christine Court in Pheasant Run Crossing townhomes. Lt. Bruce Bradbery of Blacksburg Police said officers from every avenue of the police department are working around the clock to determine the cause of McCloskey?s death.

In a university-wide statement released Nov. 11, after the announcement of McCloskey?s death, University President Charles Steger said, ?It is plainly unacceptable and outrageous that someone from the campus community experiences harm in this way.?

Some students, having learned of McCloskey?s death, used more caution in their weekend outings and made sure to not wander off alone around town.

?I still think Tech is a pretty safe place, but I think I may adhere more closely to the buddy system from now on,? said Aaron Wolff, senior biology major.

Zenobia Hikes, vice president of student affairs, said in another university-wide statement, that students should take steps to ensure their safety, to act responsibly on campus and off and asked students to be aware of the effects of the abuse of alcohol.

The popular college website, thefacebook.com, has served as a forum for friends to remember McCloskey. With over 80 new postings on McCloskey?s message board as of Nov. 5, it is obvious he is deeply missed by many.
Mark Owczarski, university spokesman, said that there has not yet been a formal request made by McCloskey?s family for a service on campus.

Students and Blacksburg residents are urged to contact Blacksburg Police at (540) 961-1150 if they have any information regarding McCloskey?s death.