Students Mourn Fraternity Member’s Death
Crime May 3rd. 2008, 6:18pm
After the crime scene tape and cop cars have left, students of UC Berkeley’s Greek community have left signs mourning the passing of a UC Berkeley fraternity member killed last night.
They are mourning the tragic death of 21-year-old Chris Wootton, a member of Sigma Pi who was fatally stabbed early this morning.
In a display of support, students have delivered flowers and chalked phrases such as “We Love You Chris” on the street near the parking lot Wootton was killed.
Wootton, a senior majoring in nuclear engineering, was fatally stabbed early Saturday morning near his fraternity, at 2434 Warring St.
After interviewing witnesses, police have made an arrest in the case.
UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau said in a statement the death was a “horrible loss.”
Students who are distressed or need assistance coping with anxiety or depression may contact Counseling and Psychological Services at (510)642-9494; faculty and staff may contact CARE Services at (510)643-7754.
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May 3rd, 2008 at 8:15 pm
A tragedy. One question I’d ask: Why was the victim in this case transported to Castro Valley, a good 15 or 20 miles from the scene? I have read elsewhere that the Highland Hospital trauma center was already full. But Alta Bates is about half a mile from where the stabbing took place, and there are several other hospitals closer than the one in Castro Valley, too. So what’s the story: Were the other hospitals unequipped or unprepared to take someone so severely injured? Or was this a “policy” decision–he was taken to the near public hospital rather than to facilities that were closer but private?
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Chris was an exceptional young man. This is so tragic and we are all saddened by his passing.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:43 am
Horrible. From what it sounds like, there was a big argument, things escalated, and in a flash it was over.
One life over.
The other one facing a very, very rough road.
A senseless tragedy, one that didn’t have to happen…but did.
May 4th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Alta Bates isn’t a level 1 trauma center.
May 4th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Alta Bates may not be a level 1 trauma center but it is a hospital with an ER. Lots of critically injured patients are taken to the closest ER for time related reasons, stabilized, and subsequently transferred.
May 5th, 2008 at 12:22 am
this is so sad…. chris was a friend of mine and i was just hanging out with him earlier that day! i don’t understand why people feel the need to carry knives around with them.. this truly was a senseless killing and i wish it didn’t happen. The guy that did this deserves what’s coming to him. RIP chris… we miss you..
May 7th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
To the parents of Chris - I am deeply sorry for your loss. I’m a Cal Mom and I can’t even imagine how you must feel right now. I cried when I heard about your son and how his life was cut so short. My deepest sympathy.