Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler sent the following message to the campus community on Jan. 3, 2024 – Ed.
Dear William & Mary Community,
At the start of this new year, it is with deep sadness that I write to share difficult news. We learned this morning from the mother of Aidan K. McCool that Aidan passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 29. Aidan was majoring in neuroscience at William & Mary, and was last enrolled as a student in Fall 2022.
A resident of Richmond, VA, Aidan brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. According to his obituary, Aidan “was a compassionate and caring individual, always ready to lend a helping hand and bring a smile to those around him. He was known for his infectious sense of humor, always finding the light in any situation. Aidan had an undeniable talent for making everyone feel included and loved. His friendships were rooted in kindness and understanding, and he had a natural ability to connect with people of all ages and walks of life.”
Family will receive friends at Bliley’s Funeral Home in Richmond, Virginia on Thursday, January 4 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. where brief remarks and a prayer service will be held beginning at 4:30 p.m. The address is 3801 Augusta Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, Aidan’s family ask you to consider performing a random act of kindness in his memory or making a monetary donation to a charity close to your heart.
At this time of grief and sudden loss, please know there are resources available for anyone who needs them. Counselors may be reached anytime by phone at 757-221-3620, or you may access a variety of services through TimelyCare, including 24/7 on-demand emotional support, counseling and guided self-care.
I know you join me in expressing our deepest condolences to Aiden’s family and to all whose lives were touched by him. At William & Mary, what affects one of us affects us all, and I find comfort knowing that our community will support and care for one another during this time.
Sincerely,
Ginger Ambler
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Virginia M. Ambler ’88, Ph.D. ‘06
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Public Safety
William & Mary