It is with great sadness that the University reports the death of Archibald ‘Archie’ Wellbelove on Friday 7 December in a traffic incident. Archie was 18 and a first year undergraduate student in English and French.

His academic departments remember him as a charming young man, just beginning to find his way as a student. Students and staff alike had already had occasion to speak fondly of his jovial energy and kindly, considerate, manner. He was full of enthusiasm for his studies; a young man full of promise who will be sadly missed by all.

His family have told the University that: “He was a talented drummer and represented Bedfordshire County and Bedford School on the rugby field. He was above all a very kind and loving soul, who brought happiness to all around him. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to know and love him, especially his mother and father and his brother and sister Henry and Mathilda.”

Our thoughts are with Archie’s friends and family at this time. The Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Thrift said: "This sudden death brings great sadness to all of us in the University community. Archie’s family and friends are very much in our thoughts at this sad time."

University staff and support professionals are working to support those students who were close to Archie. If you would like to speak to someone at this time, there are a number of support services available. The Student Support Services website gives more details or you can contact Student Support on 024 76 575570.

A book of condolence is currently available in the French department and will also be passed to the English department.