Tributes paid to York student who died whilst on trip to Tanzania

Tributes are being paid to Caitlin Cole, a University of York student who has passed away whilst on a trip to Tanzania.

Caitlin was a 20 year old Biology student at the University of York.

She passed away in Tanzania on September 24th 2019. Her death is being investigated in order to ascertain whether an inquest needs to take place.

An obituary published describes her as the "precious and much loved daughter of Nick and Colette Cole, beloved granddaughter of Maureen and Michael McManus and Margaret Cole, also a dearly loved niece, cousin and friend."

Requiem Mass will be celebrated in her memory on 24th October 2019 at 1:30PM at St Anne's Cathedral in Leeds. Her parents have requested for donations towards a tree planting project in Caitlin's memory rather than flowers.

A spokesperson for the University of York said "This was the fourth field trip to Tanzania undertaken by staff and students in the Department of Biology. A group of undergraduate students were studying tropical ecology and conservation in Northern Tanzania. Following Caitlin’s tragic death, the students decided to remain as a group in Tanzania for the last few days of the trip where they received appropriate support. Since their return the University has provided access to continued support and counselling."

Professor Jennifer Potts, head of the Department of Biology at the University of York, said: "Everyone in the Department is deeply saddened by the news of the death of undergraduate student Caitlin Cole. Caitlin came to the University of York in 2017, and from the outset proved herself to be bright and engaged.

Caitlin’s passion for conservation and ecology grew and developed during her studies, galvanised by a field trip to Portugal where she was an active and supportive member of the group. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Caitlin's family and friends at this very sad time."