Raven Syed Obituary, Death: Raven Syed, Rider University Junior and Actuarial Science Student, Dies by Suicide at Kroner Residential Hall in Lawrence Township; Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Student Leader
The Rider University community has been struck by profound grief following the tragic death of Raven Syed, a 21-year-old junior majoring in actuarial science. Syed, who was well-known and deeply respected on campus, died by suicide on Monday, October 14, 2024, in his residence at Kroner Hall, located on the Rider University campus in Lawrence Township, New Jersey. The heartbreaking news was confirmed in a community-wide email sent by the university’s president, Gregory Dell’Omo, later that evening, leaving students, faculty, and staff reeling from the devastating loss of a brilliant and compassionate individual.
Raven Syed was an exemplary student, known for his academic achievements and involvement in numerous campus organizations. A highly accomplished individual, Syed served as a copy editor for The Rider News, held the prestigious title of Trustee Scholar, and was a dedicated treasurer and clarinet player for the Rider Pep Band. His intellectual curiosity and dedication extended beyond academics; Syed was a member of the Multicultural Student Leadership Institute and a peer leader for the All Broncs Belong Alliance, where he tirelessly advocated for inclusivity and diversity on campus. His untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
The incident occurred on the third floor of Kroner Hall, where Syed lived. On the afternoon of October 14, numerous students observed an unusual increase in police activity around the residence hall, with both Lawrence Township Police and Rider University’s Public Safety teams responding to the scene. Although the officers at the scene did not provide immediate details regarding the nature of the incident, an alert was sent to the Rider community at 4:12 p.m., assuring everyone that there was no threat to public safety. However, later in the evening, at 7:54 p.m., President Dell’Omo confirmed the devastating news that one of their own, Raven Syed, had tragically passed away.
The campus has since been enveloped in grief, with friends, faculty, and students gathering to offer their condolences and reflect on Syed’s life. Known for his gentle demeanor, brilliant intellect, and warm personality, Syed was a beloved member of the Rider University community. His peers and professors alike admired his passion for actuarial science, his dedication to his responsibilities, and his genuine care for others. As a tutor for finite mathematics at the Academic Success Center, Syed made a lasting impact on the lives of the students he mentored, helping them succeed academically while fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment.
Raven Syed’s talents were not limited to academics. His love for music was evident in his role as a clarinet player for the Rider Pep Band, where he contributed his musical skills to the vibrant energy of university events. Additionally, his work as a copy editor for The Rider News showcased his keen attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Syed’s involvement in leadership organizations, including the Multicultural Student Leadership Institute, demonstrated his deep commitment to advocating for inclusivity, diversity, and equity, making him a respected and cherished voice in these spaces.
As news of his death spread across campus, support services were made available for students and staff struggling to cope with the loss. Rider’s Counseling Center, located in Zoerner House near the campus’ south entrance, opened its doors for walk-in appointments, offering immediate mental health support for those in need. In addition, students were encouraged to access virtual therapy services through Uwill, an online platform providing free appointments with licensed therapists. For faculty and staff, Rider’s Employee Assistance Program has been made available to provide emotional support during this difficult time.
The profound impact that Raven Syed had on those around him is reflected in the outpouring of tributes and memories being shared by friends, classmates, and faculty members. His professors remember him as an insightful and driven student with a bright future ahead of him, while his friends speak of his kindness, empathy, and willingness to help others, both inside and outside of the classroom. His involvement in multiple campus organizations speaks to the breadth of his interests and the passion he brought to everything he did, from tutoring to playing music to promoting inclusivity and social justice on campus.
The Rider community has also come together to offer support to one another in the wake of this tragic loss. Memorial gatherings have been organized in Kroner Hall and other locations on campus where Syed lived, worked, and participated in student life. These gatherings provide a space for students and staff to grieve, share memories, and support each other as they process the enormity of the loss. Syed’s presence on campus was a positive force for so many, and his memory will be honored through these moments of reflection and unity.
In the days following his death, The Rider News, the student newspaper where Syed served as copy editor, has announced plans to publish a digital tribute in his honor on October 16, 2024. The tribute will feature stories from those who knew him best, celebrating his life, accomplishments, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. This tribute will serve as a reminder of the many ways in which Syed touched the lives of those around him and how his contributions to the Rider University community will never be forgotten.
As the Rider University community continues to mourn the loss of Raven Syed, they are reminded of the importance of mental health awareness and the need to support one another during difficult times. The university has emphasized that resources are available for anyone in need of help, encouraging students, faculty, and staff to reach out to the counseling services or call the national Crisis Line at 988. Additionally, the university has provided contact information for external organizations like the Trevor Project and First Call, which offer specialized support for individuals facing emotional and mental health challenges.
Raven Syed’s death is a devastating loss for the Rider University community, one that will be felt deeply for a long time to come. His brilliance, compassion, and dedication to his peers, his studies, and his passions will forever be remembered by those who knew him. The support that has been extended to his family, friends, and the entire university community during this time of grief is a testament to the impact he had on the lives of so many. As the community comes together to honor his life and legacy, they are reminded of the importance of checking in on one another, offering support, and fostering an environment of care and compassion on campus.
In the coming weeks, Rider University will continue to provide spaces for students and staff to come together in memory of Raven Syed. Whether through memorial events, shared stories, or quiet moments of reflection, the university will ensure that his legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. His contributions to the Rider community will be celebrated, and his loss will serve as a reminder of the need to prioritize mental health and offer support to those who may be struggling.
For now, the focus remains on providing comfort and support to those grieving the loss of Raven Syed, a remarkable young man whose life touched so many. As the Rider community navigates this difficult time, they do so with the knowledge that Syed’s legacy of kindness, leadership, and academic excellence will continue to inspire future generations of students. His memory will forever remain a cherished part of the Rider University story, and his contributions to the community will never be forgotten.
