A first-year evening law student died over winter break from injuries sustained during a fall at a club in Chicago.
Eric Fatla, 26, was a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and was a staff member for former Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.).
“I cannot express the profound sadness over the loss of Eric, who was a brilliant young man with an extraordinary background and an even brighter future,” wrote law professor Jonathan Turley, who had Mr. Fatla as a student, on his blog.
“We have lost a good friend and a wonderful person at George Washington, and he will be long missed by those who knew him,” he added.
“Eric’s death saddens the entire GW Law community,” said Gregory E. Maggs, interim dean of the Law School. “When a student with such wonderful potential is taken from us, we all deeply feel the loss. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends, and classmates during this difficult time.”
Mr. Turley, who taught Mr. Fatla in his torts and legal theory classes, wrote that Mr. Fatla had already accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime – from conducting research in China to monitoring elections in Honduras to working as a congressional staffer.
“The death of someone so young and so full of life is a tragic absurdity,” Mr. Turley wrote. “It is impossible to find meaning in such a death. Instead, we have to find meaning in his life. Eric showed us that every moment that we spend with friends and loved ones is precious and irreplaceable.”
Members of the GW community affected by this tragic incident may contact the University Counseling Center at 202-994-5300.