Kent State psychology major dies over winter break

Jack Kopanski

Christian Whittingham, 20, died Jan. 8 after a snorkeling accident while he and his family were on vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The junior psychology major was born in Canton, Ohio in 1995. Whittingham graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 2014 and then began pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at Kent State.

A GoFundMe account has been set up in memoriam of Whittingham, with all money collected going towards starting a Quaker Foundation scholarship in his name. The account has already raised $1,355 of the $2,000 goal in two days.

According to Whittingham’s obituary, posted on geibfuneral.com, contributions to The Quaker Foundation can also be sent to P.O. Box 627, 124 North Broadway, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

Visitations will be held on Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9-11 a.m. A service honoring Christian will directly follow the second visitation, with the burial service afterwards at Calvary Cemetery in Dover. Friends and family are invited to the Kent State Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center for a reception following the burial.

Whittingham is survived by his parents, Donald and Susan.

Jack Kopanski is an assigning editor, contact him at [email protected].