Statement from family of Ben Houtman

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of 21 year-old Ben Houtman of Vancouver. Ben died of an accidental fall on Friday, March 2nd at the Hamaca Beach resort in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where he was vacationing with more than 30 other students from Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke. He was a 4th year finance major at William’s School of Business at Bishop’s. Ben graduated from Vancouver’s Lord Byng Secondary School in 2014. He forged many dear friendships there and during his year at the Prince of Wales Secondary TREK program. Ben was also involved in Vancouver school and club soccer, rugby, baseball, and basketball and continued to play soccer on the Bishop’s University Soccer team. Throughout high school he volunteered with Little Mountain Baseball’s Challenger program and was a Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award recipient.

Ben’s parents have asked for privacy at this time. They have issued this statement.

“We are shattered and grieving the loss of our only son, Ben. At the same time we are truly grateful for the overwhelming support and love we have received from friends and family. Ben brought so many amazing people together. We couldn’t be prouder of how he has enriched our lives. We appreciate the presence of Bishop’s Dean of Student Affairs in Santo Domingo and the support of the entire Bishop’s community, and Sunwing representatives. It was an unfortunate accident that could have happened anytime, anywhere. Ben was enjoying himself in the prime of his life. He loved travel, camping, sports and music and especially loved bringing people together. We know that our loss touches many, many others and it’s comforting to know that in Vancouver, Victoria, Sherbrooke, Kingston, Montreal and beyond, friends and family are huddling together, sharing supportive tears and memories of Ben, a treasured young man who has left an indelible impression on all of our lives.”

Plans for a gathering in Ben’s honour have not yet been confirmed.

For media enquiries contact: Denise Lauzière denise.lauziere@ubishops.ca or Gloria Macarenko gloria.macarenko@cbc.ca.