San Francisco State University Student Dies

Kevin William Costello, Watsonville native, was Presidential Scholar

San Francisco State University student Kevin William Costello died today after an accident that occurred Friday, Aug. 27, at the Headlands Institute in Marin County, according to Stanford University Medical Center.

Costello was attending a retreat for incoming freshmen in the University's Presidential Scholars Program. According to the National Park Service, he fell into the ocean when he and another student "...headed up a steep slope trying to access Bird Rock from Rodeo Beach."

SFSU President Robert A. Corrigan stated, "The University is shocked and deeply saddened by Kevin's untimely death. This tragic accident has cut short the life of an exceptional young man whose lively intellect and joyous spirit were already winning him a host of new friends on campus. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Kevin's family, as well as his friends and fellow students. This is a truly heartbreaking loss."

As a Presidential Scholar, Costello participated in the University's most distinguished academic award program for first-time freshmen. Acceptance is based on academic and personal achievement, extracurricular activities in school and the community, leadership potential and the ability to express oneself effectively.

Costello was a 2004 graduate of Monterey County High School and a jazz musician who intended to major in marine biology or oceanography, with an additional major in music.

The son of Joan Costello and William Hyslop, Costello was a first-year student from Watsonville, Calif.

According to the hospital, the family will hold a memorial ceremony Friday at the Pajaro Dunes on the Monterey Bay coastline, and will announce details in their local newspaper, the Monterey Herald.

Media Contact: Ellen Griffin,(415) 338-6990; (415) 706-5176, elleng@sfsu.edu