Uni rallies round shark victim's family

Thursday, 25 August 2005

The University of Adelaide today extended its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of a young researcher who was fatally attacked by a shark off Glenelg yesterday.

Jarrod Stehbens, who last year graduated with a Bachelor of Science (with Honours), was on a field trip with three of his colleagues when the incident occurred.

And at a media conference held today, University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha said the University was "deeply saddened" and would do everything possible to assist the family and friends of the victim, and the survivors.

"The Chancellor (the Hon. John von Doussa QC) and I met with Jarrod's parents - David and Lisa - this morning and shared in their grief," Professor McWha said.

"This is an extremely tough time for those concerned and the University, and we are already administering counselling to a number of people."

The three surviving members attended the media conference. They are:
Melita de Vries (BSc Hons), Research Assistant, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences;
Bayden Russell (PhD candidate), Research Associate, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences;
Justin Rowntree (B EnvSc Hons), Research Assistant, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

As a mark of respect, the University has lowered its flags to half-mast.

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