Kennesaw State Student Died in South Korean Stampede
If you are an American student, you likely know about Steven Blesi, the 20-year-old international business major who was killed in a Halloween stampede in Seoul. Blesi was one of 11 students participating in Kennesaw State University’s study abroad program in South Korea. Upon learning of his death, KSU officials released a statement on Twitter. They also offered counseling to those who were affected by the incident.
As far as the number of deaths, the South Korean government announced a total of 153 people were killed during the stampede. The majority of the dead were in their 20s and 30s. While police have not yet disclosed a motive, several witnesses reported the crowd surge happened when people started to bleed from their noses and mouths.
In the wake of the tragedy, the KSU administration has sent a formal condolence to the Blesi family, and reaffirmed that the party was not sanctioned by the school. Several other American students were at the party and are currently safe, according to KSU spokesperson Mike O’Brien. However, the university will take measures to increase education about the dangers of alcohol consumption on campus.
The Blesi family is working with the local funeral home and the U.S. Embassy to honor their son’s memory. Among other things, they are planning a memorial service in New York City and a visit to the state of Georgia.
A similar memorial service will be held for the 19-year-old Charles Brown, who was reported missing Monday. According to his roommates, the last time they saw him was early Monday morning. He was pronounced dead at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. Although it is not clear why he was there, the police believe the 19-year-old was involved in a car accident before he died. His family is also waiting for the toxicology report.
One of the more interesting parts of this story is the fact that Steven Blesi was an international business major and was studying Korean at the time of his death. He was also a Lassiter High School alum. This made him an interesting subject of interest to his friends, who had all been to the city before. At the time of his death, he was a part of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
The best news is that the Blesi family is receiving support and resources from the university that they need. Throughout the upcoming week, they will be able to call on the resources of KSU and the surrounding community. And while the investigation continues, the school is extending a warm and supportive hand to the Blesi family and the rest of the campus. Those who have questions or who need additional information can contact the Office of Student Life at (770) 435-4444.
Whether or not this is the start of a new trend in the university’s approach to student health, it is a sad occasion for the community and the university. We are all in a state of mourning, and it is our sincere hope that the media will give our student community the space to grieve in peace.