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Local Student Reportedly Drowned in Guatemala

By  TAMARA VOSTOK

Updated 1:15 PM EDT, Tue, Jan 13, 2009

Related Topics: Kirkland

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While trying to serve and help others, a local college student lost his life in Guatemala .

 

While trying to serve and help others, a local college student lost his life in Guatemala .
 
Nathaniel (Nate) Kirkland, a second-year student at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., was on a “Serve the World” trip with 17 other students and three staff members in Guatemala, working to repair adobe classroom damaged by a hurricane.


 
Saturday, the group went to a beach for a swim after their work was finished.  When the students were leaving, Kirkland was missing, according to a letter Dickinson College President William G. Durden sent out to the Dickinson community.
 
Lifeguards searched for Kirkland and his body was later found on the beach by authorities, according to Philly.com.
 
Kirkland was a resident adviser and founder of the Multimedia Club.  He graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia in 2006. 
 
Durden noted the trip to Guatemala “was a chance for Nate to further his commitment to community service; his willingness to help others will be missed terribly.”
 
The other students are reported to be returning home as soon as possible.   Dickinson staff will remain in Guatemala, Durden said.
 
The Serve the World trip is sponsored by the United Methodist Church.
 
Funeral and memorial service information has not yet been released.
 

Comments (16)

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  • steph knast Wednesday, May 20 at 9:00 PM FLAG COMMENT I was in Nate's advisory for three years before he went to do CBN and it truly was a pleasure seeing him every morning. He always had a smile on his face and gave the best hugs. I love you Nate and will never forget you. RIP
  • Howitis Monday, Feb 2 at 6:22 PM FLAG COMMENT I love you Nate. You were such a genuine and nice guy that was always smiling. I'll miss you and you will forever be in my heart.
  • Linds Knast Wednesday, Jan 21 at 12:34 AM FLAG COMMENT Nates laugh will forever be heard in my head, as well as his smile always seen...Nate was truly a one of a kind genuine man who selflessly volunteered his time for others. R.I.P Nate, I love you
  • former267 Tuesday, Jan 20 at 12:45 AM FLAG COMMENT I can remember him when i was in the 9th grade at central...i believe he played basketball...he was really a nice person and it is really a shame that we had to lose a great person..
  • Cathy266 Sunday, Jan 18 at 9:03 PM FLAG COMMENT Nate was the best of all of us. He helped Centrals broadcast network become the amazing thing it is today. he was always smiling and so full of life. Graduate of Centrals two hundred and sixty sixth class of 2007 Nate you have left a trail of tears but we will always have your smile, your warmth, and your memories. Watch over us.

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