UNH Responds to Student Death
Counselors on hand for friends and teammates

Contact: Kim Billings
603-862-1558
UNH Media Relations

Nov. 21, 2004



DURHAM, N.H. – The death of University of New Hampshire sophomore Richard J. Hegerich, 20, early Sunday morning is under investigation by the Durham Police Department in cooperation with UNH Police and the N.H. State Police. Hegerich, a business major from Hanover, Mass., also was a member of the men’s swim team.

“My deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends and teammates of Rich,” said UNH President Ann Weaver Hart. “Our entire community extends its condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.”

The university’s crisis response team met this morning, and UNH counseling staff will be available to teammates and students living in his residence hall. In addition, counselors will be available to students and faculty in Hegerich’s classes. The UNH Counseling Center is open during the week, and 24-hour help is available to anyone by calling 603-862-1530.

“Every available measure is being taken to respond to this tragedy and support those individuals who are most directly affected,” stated Mark Rubinstein, vice president for student and academic services at UNH.

According to a press release issued by the Durham Police Department this morning, Hegerich was struck and killed at about 1 a.m. this morning. He died at the scene.

Kevin C. Whittaker, 19, also a UNH student, of Nashua, was arrested and charged with aggravated DWI and conduct after an accident. He is being held in lieu of $5,000 cash bail and will be arraigned in Dover District Court on Monday, Nov. 22.