university of oxford phs student died st john's college

A neuroscience PhD student at the University of Oxford has died

Cal Shearer was found dead on 30th October

4 weeks ago | UPDATED 4 weeks ago

Claudia Cox | News

A University of Oxford PhD student was found dead at their home on 30th October.

25-year-old Cal Shearer was studying neuroscience at St John’s College at the University of Oxford. They lived on Leckford Road in the Jericho area of Oxford.

Cal grew up in the Bethnal Green area of London and studied at the City of London School for Girls, where they met their wife Imogen aged seven.

An obituary by their friends and family says, “Private mental health struggles were also a facet of Cal’s life.

“Imogen tried to secure Cal the right treatment for this all too prevalent but not yet understood crisis of suicides amongst autistic people identifying as trans.”

Cal left a note which read, “I love you and I know how loved I am. I am lucky to have so much love surrounding me.”

They helped others with their mental health by volunteering for The Samaritans and the student-run charity Oxford Nightline.

St John’s College Oxford
(Credit: Ed Webster via Creative Commons)

Cal Shearer also completed their undergrad degree in Psychology and Linguistics (PPL) at St John’s College, University of Oxford. They joined the Oxford Water Polo group, were part of football and rowing teams, and played in a recorder ensemble. Cal got married at St John’s College in June 2023.

A full inquest will be held on 10th March in 2025.

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This follows the news that a third-year University of Oxford student called Alexander Rogers died by suicide. An independent consultant who investigated his death said Alexander experienced “pervasive cancel culture” in the days before his death. She said, “It was shocking to hear that students were treating each other in this way, but I was not surprised by this pattern of behaviour.”

Lady Sue Black, the president of St John’s College, said: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm that Cal Shearer, a current DPhil student in Neuroscience at St John’s College, died on 30 October 2024.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Cal’s family and close friends at this extremely difficult time.

Cal came to St John’s as an undergraduate in 2017 and completed a BA in Psychology and Linguistics. Following an MSc in Neuroscience, Cal continued with postgraduate study. Cal’s doctoral research was concerned with the cognitive and neural bases of learning and decisionmaking. Cal was a much-valued member of the College community. We are offering support to those at the College who have been affected by their death. We ask that the privacy of Cal’s family be respected.”

If you feel affected by this story, please speak to someone or contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. You can contact Anxiety UK on 03444 775 774, Mind on 0300 123 3393, and Calm (Campaign against living miserably, for men aged 15 to 35) on 0800 58 58 58.

Featured image of Cal via X, and featured image of St John’s College by Andrew Shiva via Creative Commons license.

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Claudia Cox | News