PURCHASE, N.Y. -- The Manhattanville College Department of Athletics and Recreation mourns the loss of junior Vinny Garcia, a member of the Manhattanville men's soccer team, who passed away on Monday night.
Vinny had recently completed his third season with the Valiants, helping the men's soccer team capture a conference championship earlier this month.
An email from Manhattanville President Frank Sánchez, PhD, was sent out to Manhattanville students, faculty and staff on Tuesday afternoon:
"Vinny was always seen with a smile on his face on the field, in the weight room, and walking across campus. He missed the last ten games of his sophomore season after suffering an injury but rehabbed tirelessly during the offseason to return to the pitch for ten games this year playing the sport he loved. Losing a student or any member of our College community is very difficult. I share deep concern for the wellbeing of Vinny's friends and teammates and others who are struggling with this shocking and upsetting news."
A gathering is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight in the West Room of Reid Castle in remembrance of Vinny.
Staff from the college's Student Health and Counseling will be available throughout the evening and remainder of the week for students of the Manhattanville community in need of support and be contacted at 914-323-5155. Additionally, campus safety can be contacted at 914-323-7233.
Students seeking spiritual or faith-based support can contact any member of our Campus Ministry team at the Sister Mary T. Clark, RSCJ Center for Religion and Social Justice:
- Catholic Chaplain Father Fidelis
- Christian Chaplain Latalya Morrison
- Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Levi Welton
- Muslim Chaplain Stephen Curto
Faculty and staff seeking help and counseling can utilize the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-800-252-4555. Additionally, the 24/7 Crisis Textline can be reached by texting 'HOME' to 741741, while the National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
