University of Vermont students reacts to the death of freshman Connor Gage

A student at the University of Vermont left a fraternity party shortly before dying from hypothermia, according to Burlington police. Though Connor Gage attended UVM for less than two semesters, his impact is being felt across campus.

The 19-year-old neuroscience major went to two off-campus events before his death, according to a police press release.

His body showed signs of acute intoxication, according to an autopsy and ongoing investigation, though official toxicology results are still pending. 

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Diana Grinberg, a 21-year-old biology major, saw an article on Facebook about Gage's death from the Daily Mail. She and Katarina Garrison, 22 years old, were also notified when UVM sent out a statement about the incident. 

"I mean it's really sad..." Grinberg said.

The two reiterated tips that have been part of the larger conversation since Gage's death, like staying with others and dressing appropriately. 

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"Uber is always better than walking," Garrison, a neuroscience major like Gage, said. 

UVM Bikes president reflects on time with Gage

Gage joined UVM Bikes during his first semester of college. The club's president, who shares the same first name as Gage, remembered him fondly.

"He was always willing to put in more work," Connor Smith, a 22-year-old geography major, said. 

Smith described Gage as a motivated individual who showed up to all of his shifts, some of which they shared. He offered Gage advice on navigating freshman year, which Smith acknowledged can be difficult due to shifting friend groups.

"You're trying to find a group," he said. "You're trying to find a place." 

Smith could have imagined Gage eventually holding an officer position in the club.

He touched on the dangers of cold weather, considering the first-year student could possibly be alive if similar circumstances took place in the summer. Smith encouraged people to look out for each other. 

"Hindsight is 20-20," he said. 

Other students at UVM react to Gage's death

Alessandro Stillitano learned about Gage when his mother placed a concerned call to him. Stillitano, like Gage, is a 19-year-old neuroscience major at UVM. 

"She was definitely scared," he said. 

However, he felt people did not necessarily react in the way he expected. 

"I think it's just kind of been, 'Aww that sucks,'" he said. 

Stillitano did not have an immediate solution to prevent similar situations from happening to other students. He said when he typically goes out with his two male friends, he stays with them. He felt sympathy for Gage's loved ones upon learning of his death. 

"I just immediately thought of his parents and his mom and his dad," he said.

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Ernie Duncan and Josh Speidel took a break from work to discuss what they knew about Gage's story.

As a basketball player for the university, Duncan said Gage has been discussed in the locker room for the past few days. His death affected them and so Duncan knew it affected others. He said the team always focuses on going out together.

"As our coach would say, 'Look out for each other,'" he said. 

Speidel shared a similar sentiment: "Don't be alone... Always have someone by your side." 

What does UVM want students to learn? 

The university's Vice Provost for Student Affairs did not know Gage personally. 

"I did learn that Connor was quite a young man," Annie Stevens said, pointing to his friendly demeanor and success as a student. 

Stevens said even those who did not know Gage were impacted by his death. 

She hopes this loss encourages people to take care of themselves and one another, pointing to shuttles students can use if they need rides home, as well as a medical amnesty program that allows students to seek help in situations that involve alcohol or drugs without fear of disciplinary action. 

Stevens ultimately hopes students are reflecting on how they can stay safe and recognize that one incident can become a tragedy. 

Contact Maleeha Syed at mzsyed@freepressmedia.com or 802-495-6595. Follow her on Twitter @MaleehaSyed89.