Tributes have been made to “brilliantly intelligent” Marcus Colville, a medical student at Newcastle University who has died at the age of 20.
Head of the Medical School, Professor Phillip Bradley, emailed all MBBS students to break the news of Marcus' death, stating “With the family’s consent we are contacting you, as you may be aware that one of our much loved medical students Marcus Colville passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday.
“Many of you will have known Marcus and will have shared good times with him. At this time we want to provide you with all the support we can.”
The third-year medical student, originally from Exeter, played rugby for Heaton-based Medicals RFC. A statement published on their website described Marcus as "brilliantly intelligent, a gifted musician and an incredibly talented rugby player."
Marcus made regular appearances for the club's first team, whose fixture against Ponteland on Saturday was postponed. The club also referred to him as a “a great medical and a great friend.”
On Saturday morning, Newcastle University Rugby Football Club posted a tribute to Marcus on Twitter, saying: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and the whole of the Medicals Rugby club in this tough time.”
“We are all deeply saddened by the news of Marcus’ death, and we urge all students who need support to reach out.”
Sarah Craggs, Newcastle University Students' Union Welfare and Equality Officer
Other words of support and condolences have been posted by Yarm Rugby Club, West End Rugby Club and Gosforth Rugby Club, with the latter hoping to observe a minute silence in their next game.
Sarah Craggs, Welfare and Equality Officer at the Students' Union, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the news of Marcus’ death, and we urge all students who need support to reach out.” She added: “Our thoughts are with all of his family and friends at this time.”
The University's Student Wellbeing Service will be open to provide support to students this week, including support from the Counselling and Chaplaincy teams. A University spokesperson added: “Our welfare services are offering support to any students or staff who have been affected by this news. The University’s Student Wellbeing Team will be open right up to the end of the week, offering telephone and face to face support from the Counselling and Chaplaincy team.
“Students can call them on 0191 208 3333 if you need support or if you wish for us to reach out to a student in need. The Student Wellbeing Team website also provides contact details of other support services available during the break.”
Anyone wishing to pass messages of support to Marcus’ family can send these to Sally Ingram, Head of Student Wellbeing Services by email sally.ingram@ncl.ac.uk or write to:
The Colville family
C/O Sally Ingram
Head of Student Wellbeing Services
Newcastle University
King’s Gate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU
Marcus' death on 15 December is not being treated as suspicious and an inquest date has not yet been set.
