The University of Essex community is expressing its condolences to the family and friends of Nahid Almanea following her tragic death.

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An open condolence was held after prayers on Friday 20 June with representatives from across the University speaking about Nahid.

Books of Condolence are available in the Information Centre, the main University reception on Square 5, the Students’ Union reception, Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Centre, and the International Academy.

Nahid came to the University from Saudi Arabia to study on the Essex English Language Programme at the International Academy, and was due to finish her studies in August. Nahid died on Tuesday 17 June following a serious incident in the Greenstead area of Colchester.

The thoughts of the University community are now with Nahid’s family, friends and teachers during this extremely difficult time.

Richard Barnard, Head of the International Academy, said: “Nahid was a student on the Essex English Language Programme, which develops students’ English language skills. Nahid joined this programme and was a very hard-working and conscientious student, who was making excellent progress. She was a quiet, considerate and well-respected member of the programme and had ambitions to move on to further academic study. She will be greatly missed by her teachers and her fellow students.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster: “On behalf of the entire University community, I express our deepest condolences to Nahid’s family and friends following this devastating loss. We have students and staff here from over 130 countries and are proud of our genuinely global community. We are committed to ensuring that all our students and staff are being fully supported by the University.”