Kaiya D’Souza Oakville, Ontario Death and Obituary – The University of Guelph community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of one of its brightest students, Kaiya D’Souza. A dedicated and passionate Honours Bachelor of Science student specializing in Biological Science, Kaiya’s unexpected passing over the past weekend has left a deep sense of sorrow within the university’s community, as well as the broader town of Oakvill Ontario, where she was from.
Kaiya’s untimely death has cast a shadow over the university, and in remembrance of her vibrant life, campus flags will be lowered to half-mast on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The university has also planned a memorial service to celebrate her life and legacy. The service is set to take place that same day, and the university invites all members of the community to come together in support and reflection.
The details for the memorial service are as follows:
- Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
- Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the celebration of Kaiya’s life will begin at 7:00 p.m.
- Location: St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre, 1280 Dundas St. W, Oakville, L6M 4H9
Kaiya’s academic journey was marked by her strong commitment to her studies and an unwavering passion for biological sciences. Her academic pursuits reflected not only her natural curiosity about the world but also her drive to contribute meaningfully to her field. Professors and classmates alike will remember her for her intelligence, enthusiasm, and the kindness she exhibited in all her interactions.
In addition to her academic success, Kaiya was an active participant in various campus activities. Her involvement on campus was not limited to the classroom—she was known for her vibrant presence and her efforts to contribute to the university’s positive community spirit. Kaiya was more than just a student; she was a friend, a mentor to some, and a source of inspiration to all who knew her.
Though the details surrounding Kaiya’s passing have not been made public, the university has expressed respect for her family’s privacy during this difficult time. The University of Guelph is providing multiple resources for students, faculty, and staff to help them navigate this heartbreaking loss.
The university has set up a variety of support services, recognizing that grief affects each individual differently. Among these offerings are:
- Counselling Services: Drop-in sessions will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the East Residence Life Office, located beside the laundry rooms in Glengarry. Students can also book individual appointments or attend the daily drop-in hours.
- Multi-Faith Resource Team: For those seeking spiritual support, the team can be contacted at 519-824-4120 Ext. 58909.
- Crisis Text Line: Students in need of immediate emotional support can text “UofG” to 686868 to connect with a trained crisis responder.
- Employee Assistance Program: Faculty and staff can access professional support by calling 1-800-265-8310.
The university is urging everyone to seek support and to lean on one another during this incredibly challenging time. The collective grief is an acknowledgment of the incredible impact Kaiya had on the lives of those around her. In honour of her memory, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to come together to celebrate Kaiya’s life and the positive mark she left on the University of Guelph.
While this moment of loss is painful, the university’s hope is that the strength of community and shared remembrance will help guide everyone through the coming days. Kaiya D’Souza will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing her.