In memoriam: Samuel Kwang-Yeung Diamond, senior, College of Engineering
Samuel Kwang-Yeung Diamond, a senior in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, passed away on April 6. He was 23 years old.
A student at the Hotchkiss School and graduate of Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C., Diamond spent time on lacrosse and cross-country teams and enjoyed being a member of the Robotics Club. He came to Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in engineering and was expected to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in computer science. Diamond was planning to continue on to earn his master’s degree from Virginia Tech.
“Sam loved being part of Tech and enjoyed his time working on projects and challenges with faculty and classmates,” said his parents, Hellen and David Diamond. “He was set for continuing with his master’s and was in good spirits over spring break. We were talking about graduation plans and he sounded like he looked forward to walking. This is all very shocking and devastating for us.”
Diamond found his home at Virginia Tech and appreciated the challenges of rigorous and competitive academics. He loved his college professors and courses including programming, math, humanities, and art.
He is survived by his parents, David Diamond and Hellen Hom-Diamond, and his sister, Katie, with whom he shared a special bond. He is also survived by his grandfather Frank Hom; aunts and uncles Elaine and Dewey Fanning, John and Misa Hom, Lisa Smith and Brendan Kelly, and Andrew Diamond and Caroline Rolland-Diamond; along with several other extended family members.
The family is deeply grateful to the kindness of the Blacksburg community. Virginia Tech will award him with a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, posthumously in May.
The family will hold a memorial service in late May or early June and hopes to establish a scholarship in his honor. For information about the upcoming service or scholarship, or to share memories, photos, or videos, please contact Hellen Hom-Diamond at HellenHom@gmail.com.
Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 855-223-9277
- Aetna at 888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
- Sentara Health Plans Vantage HMO at 800-899-8174
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Housing Services at 540-231-6205
- Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
- Civil Rights Compliance at 540-231-2010
- CARES Program at 540-231-7806
- University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125
- Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573
