Memorial Service For Joseph McGowan On Tuesday

A memorial service for Joe McGowan will take place at the University of Wyoming at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18. The service is open to people on campus as well as members of the Laramie community. The memorial will be held at the Simpson Plaza in front of the Wyoming Union.

McGowan, 21, died on Saturday, November 1 after an off-campus brawl at a private residence the night before. The UW art major was attempting to break up a fight when he was struck, according to Laramie Police.

“When he was in the process of breaking it up, he was struck,” said Commander Mitchell Cushman at the Laramie Police Department. “And then as a result of that strike, he ended up falling and incurring more damage.”

He was air-lifted to the Medical Center of The Rockies where he later died of his injuries.

Mazin Mohamed, a friend of McGowan’s is organizing the memorial. Mohamed, who is from Fort Collins, Colo., says he would like to preserve the memory of his friend who was “being his usual helpful self” when trying to break up the fight.

“I want there to be an opportunity for all the people that are suffering to come together and commemorate the good times with Joe,” he says. “I believe this will be a very memorable tribute towards Joe and I thank everyone for enabling this terrific opportunity.”

Along with Mohamed, UW President Dick McGinity will speak at the service.

The Associated Students of UW will provide candles for the vigil at Simpson Plaza. Mohamed is encouraging people to bring their own candles, lighters, and matches as well.

“We would like to have as many people come out to this event,” Mohamed says. “This event is about bringing a community together as well.”

For more information on the memorial service, contact Mohamed at mmohame2@uwyo.edu.