Family of first-year Western University student killed in assault speaks out
Gabriel Neil, 18, was in his first year of kinesiology studies
The family of Gabriel Neil, the 18-year-old who died after an assault near Western University campus, says the teen made friends wherever he went.
Police say they were called to the area near Western Road and Sarnia Road, just off campus, around 2 a.m. Saturday. When they arrived, they found Neil suffering from serious injuries.
The teen died Sunday. He was from Simcoe.
"We are absolutely devastated by the loss of Gabe. He was a gentle and kind soul who made friends wherever he went," said his uncle, who released a statement on behalf of the family on Monday.
Aspirations of becoming a doctor
"He was excited to be starting his first year of Kinesiology at Western and had aspirations of one day becoming a doctor."
In the statement, the family thanked the staff at Western University, the London Police Service, and the paramedics that responded to the scene, as well as the emergency room staff at London Health Sciences Centre at Victoria Hospital.
"A special thank you to the staff of the Critical Care Trauma Centre for the care they have provided not only to Gabe but to us as well," the family statement said.
London police have charged 21-year-old Aliyan Ahmed with manslaughter. Western says he is not a student at the school.
The University Student Council also released a statement, extending condolences to Neil's family and friends.
"We know this tragedy will be difficult to process given how challenging the past few days have been for our student community," student government officials wrote in a statement posted on Instagram.
"As we take the time to grieve this loss, we hope we can lean on one another and support each other through this difficult time."