Wednesday, May 21 (10:45 a.m.)
I am profoundly saddened by the tragic death of one of Northeastern’s own, student Rebecca Payne, a senior in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences.

Those among us who knew her best — students, faculty and staff — say Becca was dedicated to her studies, excited about her successful and challenging co-op jobs, and passionate about causes dear to her heart. Becca was president of the Athletic Training Club, served on the Dean’s Council, was involved with the Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry and other spiritual initiatives on campus, and gloried in working with children at a summer camp.

Becca epitomized all that is best about Northeastern University students. Having her taken so suddenly leaves a hole that will never be filled for her parents, Nicholas and Virginia, and her family and friends, as well as our entire university community.

A tragedy like this, suddenly and without explanation, that takes the life of one of our brightest young lights brings us unfathomable grief. For now, we turn to each other to draw strength and comfort, to remind ourselves how precious life is, and to send our most heartfelt prayers to Becca’s loved ones.

Joseph E. Aoun,
President, Northeastern University

Wednesday, May 21 (5 a.m.)
According to media reports, a Northeastern student was the victim of a homicide in the Mission Hill neighborhood early Tuesday morning. Boston police have not confirmed the woman's identity, however, and have cautioned that any public statements are both premature and not helpful to their ongoing investigation. Homicide detectives are investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragedy. For the latest information from police, see http://www.bpdnews.com. The safety of our students is the university's highest priority and Northeastern's Public Safety Division is prepared to assist Boston police as needed. As always, students who feel they would like to talk to someone can contact we_care@neu.edu or University Health and Counseling at 617-373-2772.

Tuesday, May 20 (8 p.m.)
Boston police are continuing their investigation into the death of a young woman inside a Mission Hill apartment building early this morning. According to the Boston Police Department, the woman, believed to be in her early 20s, apparently suffered gunshot wounds. Homicide detectives are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Northeastern's Department of Public Safety has been monitoring the incident, and the University will continue to share all appropriate information with the Northeastern community as it becomes available from Boston police. In the meantime, the full and most current Boston police statement is available on the BPD web site. Any students who wish to talk to someone are urged to call University Health and Counseling Services at 617.373.2772 or email we_care@neu.edu.

Tuesday, May 20 (2 p.m.)
Northeastern’s Office of Public Safety has been informed of an investigation into the death of a young woman on Mission Hill this morning. The Boston Police Department is currently on scene and few details are available. It appears that a number of Northeastern students live in the building where the death took place. Public Safety is prepared to assist the Boston Police as needed. We will provide further details and updates on the University website as information becomes available. If you know of any students in need of assistance please refer them to we_care@neu.edu.