uOttawa in mourning following the death of one of its Mechanical Engineering students and Gee-Gees football athletes

Dear Members of the University Community,

It is with a very heavy heart that I bring you some very sad news. Over the weekend, Francis Perron, one of our Mechanical Engineering students and a defensive lineman in his fifth season with Gee-Gees football, died shortly after a game between uOttawa and the University of Toronto. 

A bright, passionate, and caring person, Francis poured himself into his craft as a player and his academic pursuit of becoming an engineer. In the classroom, he was as big of a star as on the field, becoming a multiple-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian while studying Mechanical Engineering. 

Originally from Sherbrooke, Quebec., Francis first joined the Gee-Gees football team in 2017 after a stellar career at Cégep de Sherbrooke. Francis' love for the game was present in his play, but even more so in the relationships he built with his teammates.

Francis' memory will live on through a vast network of loving family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

On behalf of the University of Ottawa, I offer my condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. The thoughts of all members of our community are with you. I would also like to thank our colleagues at the University of Toronto for their steadfast support during this tragic event. 

I know how deeply this loss affects the student's teammates, Gee-Gees staff and all members of the Gee-Gees community, as well as members of the Faculty of Engineering. Let me just say to you: Our thoughts are with you in your grief, which we share. Rest assured you have our compassion, solidarity and support. We have mobilized our support services and you can count on ongoing assistance over the coming days and weeks. 

If you have been touched by this loss in any way — whether you are a student, professor or employee — I encourage you to seek help if you are feeling overwhelmed or need emotional support.

We will hold a memorial ceremony in the coming weeks. While we do not yet have the details, we will keep you informed, while respecting the family's wishes.

Jacques Frémont
President and Vice-Chancellor