Brown University Student and Rhode Islander John Owen Habib Dies
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
A native Rhode Islander and Brown University student has passed away after being in a coma after suffering a "catastrophic" fall overseas.
The family of John Owen Habib said he broke his spine and femurs in a fall in Morocco — and had been trying to raise funds to bring him back to the U.S. for treatment.
Brown University announced Habib's passing on Tuesday afternoon:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"We write to share the heartbreaking news that John Owen Habib, a Brown undergraduate, died this morning as the result of injuries suffered abroad during a tragic hiking accident days earlier. John Owen was a beloved member of the Brown community, and we invite you to join us in remembering him.
John Owen was a junior concentrating in Chinese, philosophy and economics, and he was fluent in Mandarin. He was actively engaged with a wide variety of student organizations and activities, including the Brown Private Equity Club, which he co-founded; the Brown Journal of Philosophy, Politics and Economics; the Brown/RISD Arab Society; Syrian Youth Education; the Economics DUG; and the Chess Club.
Raised in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, John Owen was a proud graduate of Portsmouth Abbey School where he was editor-in-chief of The Beacon and created its first online platform for newscasts, podcasts and other content. During his high school years, he founded the Mind and Market Club to serve his peers and engage them in discussions that fostered interest in concepts of business, economics and business psychology.
A young entrepreneur who cared deeply about his roots, John Owen also founded Island Time Co., a nonprofit clothing company whose proceeds are donated to the Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund, an organization based in the country home to many of his extended family members. He was a talented self-taught guitar player who loved all types of music, and an avid tennis player who served as senior captain and played varsity doubles during his time in high school.
John Owen will be fondly remembered by his loved ones and peers, and we recognize the impact his loss will have both in the Brown community and beyond.
Brown students in need of support or counsel are urged to reach out to any of the following offices for assistance: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (401) 863-3476; the deans in the office of Student Support Services (401) 863-3145; or the Office of the Chaplains & Religious Life (401) 863-2344. For academic support or accommodations, students may consult with individual faculty members or academic advising deans in the College.
Our hearts are with John Owen’s family and friends, and all of those who profoundly feel his loss."
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