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Loading ...American gay rights advocate dies in Scotland
12.16.2008 3:51pm EST
(Edinburgh) Cody Lavender, an American exchange student, has fallen to his death from a dormitory room window at the University of Edinburgh.
Police are investigating but say there is nothing to indicate foul play.Lavender, 20, had been watching television with friends when he suddenly plunged through the window witnesses said.
He was to have returned this week to the US for Christmas.
Lavender was raised in southern Arizona and in 2006 headed east to Dartmouth College to major in women and gender studies . He became co-chair of the student LGBT group Gender Sexuality XYZ and was an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights.
Earlier this year he went to Edinburgh as a part of Dartmouth’s foreign study program to take a religious studies course.
In Scotland, he continued his LGBT advocacy work, leading a gay rights protest outside the US Consulate in the Scottish capital last month.
“Cody always stood up for what he believed in. He was a great guy who was eager to make new friends. Cody has left this world, and has touched many people in a way he’ll never know,” his sister Alyssa, 18, said.
Students at Edinburgh held a memorial service Tuesday for Lavender. At Dartmouth, Dean Tom Crady said the school had sent its condolences to Lavender’s family.
“The college is now reaching out to students in the foreign study program and other members of the community to offer counseling resources,” Crady said.
The US Consulate General in Edinburgh is arranging for Lavender’s body to be returned to the US.
This story doesn’t make sense. How could he be watching TV with friends, and all of a sudden, be plunging through a dorm room window? What are we missing here?
What are we missing here? A lot. This is a tragedy,however, whether accidental, foul play, or suicide.
What the hell? He just randomly fell out the window?
From what I understand, he was sat on the windowsill while watching television, didn’t realise that the window was open and leaned backwards. I’m sure the facts will become clear once the police have had time to investigate, but it does sound to me like a tragic accident, and a big loss to the LGBT community.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Remember fellow posters. People still living are hurting from this tragedy!
Give what we can when we can!
Sad story for this fellow, for the school, for Edinhurgh (Dun Eideann) and his famiiy.
Cody was my most loved son. He was truly an amazing person to so, so many people. I will miss him immensely because of his internal beauty that shined brightly to all who knew him. He loved his family so much and was looking forward to coming home and couldn’t wait to be with us for Christmas. God is still an awesome God and we are thankful that God created such a beautiful and gentle soul in Cody. (Cody’s mom…)
Cody will truly be missed by me and so many others. He truly was God’s gift to this earth and we loved him immensely. I didn’t think I’d be able to go on without him in my life, but here I am days and a couple weeks later, still eating, breathing and sleeping. He couldn’t wait to get home, be with his family who all loved him and celebrate his favorite Holiday, CHRISTmas. He absolutely could not wait to get home. God is still an awesome God and I trust Him in this blessed tragedy as well. We love you Cody!!! (Cody’s mom…)