Wednesday 04-03-2026 - 15:00

 

 

LUSU deeply regrets to report the death of George Sippetts, who was studying in the third year of his Geography and Economics degree.

 

His loss will affect the many people whose lives he touched at Lancaster. The thoughts of all in the University community will be with his family and friends. 

George was a member of Bowland College, had been an Academic Rep within his department, and a member of societies including Cycling, Mountaineering and Lancaster Snow. 

George’s death was reported to the University on Friday 27 February. Since then, University staff in the Wellbeing team have sought to offer direct support to those identified as being close to George, and a message has been sent to those in his college and his year-group in LEC and Economics. 

If you are struggling with this news, or any other challenges you face, please reach out – there is someone here to help. 

Accessing support    

If you are affected in any way by this news please make contact with one of the services available to you. And if you are concerned about someone you know, please encourage them to seek support. For current staff and students, options available through the University that may be helpful include:  

·       Student wellbeing support, which includes the Student Mental Health Service as well as a 24/7 helpline     
·       the Employee Assistance Programme for staff, including graduate teaching assistants     
·       the Chaplaincy for staff and students     
·       The Students’ Union’s advice service, which offers confidential help and support to students. 
·       If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide and don't feel you can keep yourself safe, you can contact the NHS Initial Response Service on 0800 013 0710, or The Samaritans on 116 123.
·       Support is also available from charities such as  The Good Grief Trust, and Mind.

The wellbeing of Lancaster students is critical to the University community, and Student Wellbeing Services continuously reviews the support that students can access to ensure anyone who reaches out will receive the right care. 

 

Book of condolence and memorial 

The University is in contact with George’s family to offer support, and is inviting them to express their wishes in planning a memorial event here in Lancaster. An online book of condolence, published according to the wishes of George’s family, is now available for you to share your tributes and memories of George.