With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, the Hamilton College community is mourning the tragic loss of Rasikh Shaukat, a member of the Class of 2025 who died by suicide on May 21, 2025.
Rasikh, a biology major from Irvington, New York, was a beloved member of the Hamilton track and field team, admired not only for his athletic talent but for his kind, thoughtful spirit and the joy he brought to those around him.
Rasikh was a young man of immense potential. As a student, he was curious, committed, and deeply engaged in the life of the mind. In the classroom, he was known for his dedication to learning, especially in the sciences, where he pursued his passion for biology with quiet determination and enthusiasm.
He envisioned a future that would allow him to combine his academic interests with service to others, and those who knew him well often spoke of his compassion, empathy, and sense of purpose.
As an athlete, Rasikh was tireless. He loved running — not just the competition, but the discipline, camaraderie, and sense of freedom it gave him.
Whether training on the track or cheering on his teammates, Rasikh radiated a love for sport and a loyalty to his team that inspired everyone around him. Coaches and teammates alike remember him for his consistency, his drive, and most of all, his humility. He didn’t run to be noticed; he ran because it made him feel alive.
The news of his death has stunned the Hamilton College campus and beyond. In a heartfelt message to the community, President David Wippman acknowledged the deep pain and confusion so many are experiencing in the wake of Rasikh’s loss.
“This is an unthinkably difficult moment,” he wrote. “Whether you are a student or employee, on campus or already home for the summer, if you’re feeling shaken, confused, or deeply saddened, please know that you are not alone.”
Indeed, the grief is being felt widely — not only among Rasikh’s close friends and teammates but throughout the broader Hamilton community and in his hometown of Irvington.
Students and faculty alike have come together to share stories, light candles, and sit in silence, honoring the life of someone who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. In these quiet moments, the depth of Rasikh’s impact has become even more evident.
Hamilton College has made counseling services available both on campus and remotely, urging students to reach out for support during this incredibly painful time. “Our community is built on connection,” President Wippman reminded students.
“In moments like these, that connection must be our source of strength.” The college has pledged to hold a memorial or gathering in Rasikh’s honor in the coming days, creating space for reflection, remembrance, and healing.
Rasikh’s death is a stark reminder of the silent battles many young people face, even those who appear to be thriving. As the community grieves, there is a growing commitment to do more — to break the silence around mental health, to create environments where vulnerability is met with compassion, and to ensure that no student ever feels alone in their pain.
Rasikh Shaukat was more than a student or an athlete. He was a beloved son, a loyal friend, and a bright light in the lives of many. Though his time was far too short, his memory will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace, and may his loved ones find comfort in the love that surrounds them now.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
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