The Carleton University community is devastated to learn that two of our alumni lost their lives in the Jan. 11, 2019 crash of an OC Transpo bus.
The Ottawa Police Service confirmed yesterday that Judy Booth and Bruce Thomlinson died in the accident. Booth completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government (2005) and Thomlinson completed a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Psychology with a concentration in Criminology (1985).
“On behalf of the entire Carleton community I want to offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of Judy Booth and Bruce Thomlinson,” said Benoit-Antoine Bacon, president and vice-chancellor. “There are no words that can soothe such a shocking loss, but we are a resilient community and we must rally to support each other at this difficult time.”
Our thoughts are with all those who were impacted, directly or indirectly by this tragedy, and the university continues to offer support. Any student or employee who is having difficulties or is in need of assistance is strongly encouraged to reach out to the appropriate service, or their professor or supervisor.
Students who require counselling support can phone or come in person between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, to Health and Counselling Services, CTTC Building, Suite 2600. Beginning at 12:45 p.m., students can check in for same-day counselling hours every afternoon. Students may also call (613) 520-6674 or walk in to schedule an appointment.
Any Carleton students who require counselling services can email vpstudents@carleton.ca with their name and phone number and we will be in touch shortly.
Carleton employees can access the after-hours Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling
1 (800) 668-9920. The Employee Assistance Program can be contacted during regular business hours at (613) 725-5676.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THE CITY OF OTTAWA AND REGION:
The City of Ottawa has established an information line for families of victims that can be reached at 1 (855) 797-8875.
The Ottawa and Region Distress Centre answers calls 24/7, with crisis line specialists providing confidential support at (613) 238-3311.
The Mental Health Crisis Line answers calls for people ages 16 or older 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (613) 722-6914.
Tel-Aide Outaouais offers French-language mental health telephone support from 8 a.m. to midnight every day. Ottawa residents can call (613) 741-6433 and Gatineau residents can contact (819) 775-3223.
The Kids Help Phone service at 1 (800) 668-6868 provides confidential 24/7 phone and web counselling for children ages 20 and under.
The Youth Services Bureau provides youth and family counselling, crisis support, a 24/7 crisis line at (613) 260-2360, walk-in counselling and an online crisis chat service for youth at chat.ysb.ca.
211 connects callers to community, social, government and health service information in Ottawa 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and multilingual.
The focus of the community is on providing care and sympathy to the families affected by this tragic event. The Ottawa Police Service is continuing their investigation and is asking anyone who left the scene or has information about the collision to call police at (613) 236-1222 ext. 2481.
Condolence books will be available for signing outside The Egg lecture hall in the Tory Building lobby on Tuesday morning, Jan. 15, 2019.
Carleton will host an upcoming blood donor clinic on campus on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019 in the Fenn Lounge from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Members of the university community are encouraged to donate as a sign of support for all of the victims and to assist in replenishing blood supplies.
Details about funeral services will be shared after they are confirmed and announced by the families.
Further updates will be provided to the Carleton community as appropriate.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in Campus News
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