Héctor Sánchez Castañeda
Isla Vista Beat Reporter
Hayden Werner, a second year pre-biology major, passed away on Friday at approximately 11:23 p.m., according to Santa Barbara County Sheriff Office Public Information Officer Kelly Hoover. Hoover said Werner’s death is considered a suicide. He was 19 years old.
Katya Armistead, Dean of Student Life for the University of California, Santa Barbara, shared the news of Werner’s death Tuesday morning in an email to all students.
“Hayden was a lifeguard in Orange County, an avid surfer and skier, and an active member of the UCSB Ski and Snowboard Team,” wrote Katya Armistead, Dean of Student Life for the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Werner was found hanging from a tree at Ellwood Bluffs on Wednesday, May 18, by a family walking through the area, according to Hoover.
The family proceeded to wave down a passerby for help.
“A 50-year-old Santa Barbara man was able to cut down the male and start CPR until medics could arrive,” Hoover said.
Werner was taken to a hospital and remained in critical condition until his death.
“Our hearts go out to Hayden’s family members and many friends, and all those whose lives he touched here on our campus,” Chancellor Henry Yang wrote in a statement to The Bottom Line. “I have spoken with his parents to express the deepest condolences of our UC Santa Barbara family. He will be dearly missed, and remembered always.”
If you or anyone you know has been impacted by the news of Werner’s passing, UCSB Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can be reached on their 24-hour hotline at (805) 893-4411.
“For individual counseling, group counseling, and wellness opportunities, call 805-893-4411 or stop by the Counseling and Career Services Building (599) to talk with someone,” wrote Gladys Manrique Koscak, Mental Health Specialist for CAPS.
There will be a paddle out at sunset on Monday, May 30 at Strand Beach in Dana Point in Werner’s memory. Family and friends will also hold a memorial service for Werner on Tuesday, May 31 at 11 a.m. at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano.
Werner’s family and friends created a memorial scholarship fund at UCSB in his honor. People can make out checks to the UC Santa Barbara Foundation, with Hayden Werner Memorial Scholarship Fund written in the memo line, and mail it to:
Student Affairs Grants and Development, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5015.
You may also donate via secure voicemail and a credit card to (805) 893-5037. For more information, contact catherine.boyer@sa.ucsb.edu.
UPDATES:
5:46 p.m.: This article has been updated to include memorial information.
May 25, 11:40 p.m.: This article has been updated with Chancellor Yang’s comments.
May 30, 10:37 a.m.: This article has been updated to include memorial fund information.
This story was originally published at 11:44 a.m.