Conestoga news

September 26, 2021 9:04 AM

Conestoga community mourns death of student

The following statement from President John Tibbits was released to the Conestoga community on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

It is with great sadness that I share the news that a member of our Conestoga community was the victim of a homicide that occurred in Kitchener this past week.

Joshua Bennett was a student in the Carpentry and Renovation Technician program at the Waterloo campus. He began his studies at Conestoga in Fall 2020.

His death is currently under investigation by the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Major Crime, General Investigation and Forensic Identification Units. No additional details have been released at this time.

Our thoughts are with Joshua’s family and friends, his classmates and teachers, and all who knew him.

The Conestoga College flag will be lowered to half-mast on Monday, September 27 to recognize his passing.

Counselling services are available to support students and employees during this difficult time.

Students requiring assistance can contact Counselling Services at counselling@conestogac.on.ca or 519- 748-5220 ext. 3679. In addition,  Good2Talk is a free mental health resource that can provide support 24/7/365 for all post-secondary students in Ontario. Visit the website for more information, or call  1-866-925-5454 to speak with someone.

 Employees requiring assistance can contact Homewood Health, Conestoga’s Employee and Family Assistance Program provider at 1-800-663-1142 or https://homeweb.ca/

 John Tibbits, President