One of the university students that was involved in an online scandal after he and fellow students were pictured dressed in Nazi uniforms, KKK outfits and painted in blackface has died.
Andrew Stanham was found dead in the shower at his home in Wagga Wagga, Australia, on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old was one of the Charles Sturt University students that attended
a “politically incorrect” party that caused widespread outrageafter pictures of the event were shared over Instagram and Facebook.
Charles Sturt University has an enrollment of over 45,000 students and is located in Sydney, Australia.
Andrew’s family believes he suffered a seizure and fell while in the shower, with his father, Mark, blaming backlash over the images as a factor in his death,
The Daily Telegraph reported.
“The jury is out on the cause of death, we suspect it was an epileptic seizure which resulted in a fall which led to a compromised airway,” Stanham said.
“There is no doubt that stress is a contributing factor.”
Stanham says his son was scared to walk down the street after the fierce criticism.
People were quick to condemn the photographs after they were shared online, with CSU suspending a number of the students involved.
One of the pictures that caused the most outrage showed a group of five people dressed up as the Ku Klux Klan surrounding a man painted in blackface and holding a bowl of cotton.
The picture was captioned: “Very very politically incorrect. Cotton prices are unreal thought so it’s a great time to be pickin’.”
Other photos showed students dressed up as Hitler, Nazis and as Jewish Holocaust prisoners.
Taz Kuhn, one of Andrew’s friends who was also suspended, told News.com.au the recent events had greatly affected members of the university.
No one is “jumping to any conclusions” about the impact the fallout from the party may have had, he said.
“Andy was a kid man who lived life to its fullest whether it was being a key player on the rugby field, or the life of the party but he would always have the time for his mates and family and that’s what would come first,” Kuhn said.
“He was hardworking, caring, funny and one of a kind. Words can’t describe the bloke we have lost but all we can say is we’ve lost a brother and he can’t ever be replaced.
“He’s going to be missed forever.”
Charles Sturt University told News.com.au that the university’s “thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Andrew.”
“Counseling and support is being provided to CSU students and staff who have been affected by this sad event,” it said in a statement.
Tributes to Andrew from friends and family have already started flowing in.
Kooringal Colts Cricket Club, which Andrew was a member of, extended its condolences to the student’s family in a Facebook post.
“It is with great sadness that the club has learned that we have lost a Colt. Andy suddenly & tragically passed away yesterday morning,” the post read.
“He was well liked around the club, performing well on the field, the life of the post-game functions & most importantly a great bloke.
“The Club on behalf of all of members & supporters wish to pass our condolences onto Andy’s family & friends, our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.”