Hayden Hartnett, a junior at Fordham College at Lincoln Center, died on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, from an apparent overdose.
Hartnett, a visual arts major from Dallas, Texas, was found unconscious and unresponsive early in the morning in her room in McMahon Hall. Paramedics rushed her to St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, but physicians were unable to revive her.
“The entire University community is deeply shaken by Hayden’s death,” said Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham. “We are heartbroken to lose someone so young and full of promise, and our hearts go out to her family and loved ones as they grieve for her. I know the entire Fordham family will keep Hayden, her family and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.”
Damian O’Connell, S.J., held a well-attended prayer service for Hartnett on Monday, Feb. 21, in the Blessed Rupert Mayer, S.J., Chapel, in Lowenstein Center, at which her father and uncle spoke briefly. The University’s Counseling Center at Lincoln Center also had extended hours on Sunday, Feb. 20, and Monday, Feb. 21, for students affected by the news.
Counseling is available to any student who requests it Students, faculty and staff should contact Counseling and Psychological Services at (212) 636-6225 or Keith Eldredge, dean of students at Lincoln Center, at (212) 636-6250 with any questions about counseling services. Likewise, for pastoral counseling, please call Campus Ministry at Lincoln Center at (212) 636-6267. Members of the University community can also call Lincoln Center Security at any time at (212) 636-6076 with questions about counseling services.
Hartnett is survived by her parents, Anne and James Hartnett; her sister, Tanner, an alumna of Fordham College at Rose Hill, 2010; and two brothers, James and Michael. All condolences should be sent to the Hartnett family care of Keith Eldredge, Dean of Students, Fordham University, 113 West 60th Street, LL 408D, New York, NY 10023; [email protected].
The family will hold a family and invited guest Rosary service for Hartnett in Dallas on Friday., Feb. 25, at Sparkman Hillcrest: (214) 363-5401. Invitees should call the funeral home for hours and directions. There will be a public funeral Mass on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 2:30 p.m., at St. Monica Roman Catholic Church, at the corner of Walnut Hill and Midway Road in Dallas.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Fordham University. Please contact Rodger Van Allen, director of development, at: [email protected].
