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Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism University of Southern California
USC

USC Student Dies in Cabo San Lucas

According to USC officials, a 22-year-old Trojan passed away Tuesday while on vacation in Mexico.

Update (Sunday 6:10 p.m.): Interfraternity Council president Ofek Lavian, Sigma Chi president Michael Borchard and Panhellenic Council president Roxie Friberg wrote a statement together regarding Levine's tragic death.

"It is easy to see in the wake of this tragedy how many peoples' lives [Levine] touched," the statement said.  "Sam was an incredibly generous and caring young man. He had nothing but the utmost respect for others, and a smile that could light up any room." 

The three Greek leaders also encouraged Trojans to be mindful of their actions and to show "love and kindness."

"We urge you to tread lightly. Stop and let people know you care about them. Hug your brothers and sisters a little tighter today. Lend a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on to those around you. Tell your friends you love them."

To show support, an RIP Sam Levine Facebook page was created where friends of Levine are welcome to share pictures and memories.

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According to USC officials, 22-year-old psychology major Samuel Levine passed away Tuesday on a spring break trip to Cabo San Lucas. Levine was also a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. 

Raymond Carlos, the Associate Director of the Office for Fraternity and Sorority Leadership Development released a statement to the Greek community Thursday, saying that memorial service information will be shared at a later date. 

Samuel Levine was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. (Facebook)
Samuel Levine was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. (Facebook)

The Dean of USC Dornsife, Steven A. Kay, released a statement Wednesday: 

"It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the sudden passing of a member of our community and the Trojan Family. Samuel Levine, a junior majoring in psychology, died yesterday in an accident while on spring break.

Our deepest sympathies are with Sam’s parents and family members, with his close friends in the Sigma Chi fraternity and around campus, and with each of you in the psychology department. Sam touched so many of us here at USC with his talents and ambition, and we all grieve for his incredibly promising life that was tragically cut short.

We are working closely with the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Religious Life to reach all those affected. We encourage anyone in need of support or a listening ear to contact the counselors in Student Counseling Services (213) 740-7711 or the Center for Work and Family Life at (213) 821-0800.

We know that all of you will keep the Levine family in your thoughts and prayers."

Jay Paul, 20, worked very closely with Levine in their Marketing Fundamentals business course and remembers his strong work ethic.

"Sam was intelligent, had a strong work ethic and was incredibly charismatic," said Paul. "His warm smile, upstanding character and good heart made him a great person and friend."

ATVN reached out to some of Levine's fraternity brothers in Sigma Chi, who said they are not ready to speak to the media until further notice.

COMMENTS

IHSV-IOTACHI

In Hoc Signo Vinces

Rest in peace, Samuel. (BTW - there are only *2* letters in "Sigma Chi")

RIP brother IHSV

IHSV

All honor to his name.
IHSV

All honor to his name.
IHSV

Hate to lose a brother. Rest in peace. IHSV

I'm a student at USC and have experienced the loss of a child. I want to pass on some resources to the Levines, so if anyone is in contact with them can you please forward the following two websites to them? Griefhaven.org and Compassionatefriends.org (they provide support to parents who have lost a child(ren). I have some friends who live in Agoura that have lost children who can support them as well. Feel free to pass on my email address if they ever feel like talking. This is the hardest loss a human can ever experience and it changes the family forever. There is hope for a good life and I have seen many other parents including myself truly recover from the devastation of losing a child, however it takes a tremendous amount of work, as well as love and support from those around the family. So very sad to hear of this tragedy:(:(:(.

As an Oak Park HS grad my heart goes out to the family and his brothers who will never be able to say goodnite again until they meet him in heaven. Probably having the time of his life and just made a mistake. Too many. I mean too many kids have died from Oak Park High School. RIP Sam"

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