University of Pennsylvania Law Student Dies at Age 31

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Summary: A 31-year-old Penn Law student died this weekend of an unknown cause of death.

Over the weekend, a 3L student at the University of Pennsylvania died off-campus. The cause of his death was not clear, according to The Daily Pennsylvania. 

  

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Penn Law Dean Ted Ruger and Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum sent an email on Monday to students notifying the passing of Justin Hamano, 31. Hamano graduated from New York University in 2009 and worked as a paralegal and labor organizer before attending the ivy league university.

“It is with sadness we write that Justin Hamano, L’18, passed away over the weekend at his residence off campus. We deeply regret and are saddened by this difficult news and we want each of you to know that the Penn Law family, and indeed, the entire campus community, stands with you in support,” Dean Ruger and Vice Provost McCoullum wrote.

Hamano was an active law student. He served as a political director of Lambda Law and senior editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review. Based upon his work experience and his master’s certificate in labor studies from City University of New York, he seemed to have a passion for labor law. In February 2016, he was awarded the Peggy Browning Fund, which is a prestigious 10-week fellowship for those committed to workers’ rights.

The university said it would hold a support session for law students in Hamano’s memory.

According to The Daily Pennsylvanian, Hamano’s death is the sixth this year and the fourth this semester. “Wharton senior Henry Rogers died a week ago on Oct. 9, likely from natural causes. Brett Cooper, a student in the School of Veterinary Medicine, died about a month ago on Sept. 13. His cause of death is still not known. Nicholas Moya, who had been a College senior, died by suicide on Aug. 31,” the publication wrote.

For Penn students grappling with depression, the law school wants its students to know that there are people there to help.

“Now, then, and after, please know that Penn is here to help. Do not hesitate to utilize the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) clinician hours inside the Law School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 pm in T410, or visit or call CAPS at 3624 Market Street. Faculty, staff, and other advisors stand ready to assist you with any need or concern,” Dean Ruger and Vice Provost McCoullum wrote.

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