THIS IS the first picture of the student who was discovered dead in his university room.
Stephen Bowersox was last week described as a sensitive and funny man by a distraught former teacher who was still coming to terms with the death.
The 23-year-old student was found dead in his accommodation at University Place on the 11th of February after flat mates raised the alarm.
Mr Bowersox, who was born and raised in San Diego, California, came to Manchester for postgraduate study in Art History.
He previously attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he won the UCLA Undergrad Student Research Competition for his paper titled "To Dream of Modernism: The Trajectories of Desire".
Dr Robert Summers, who taught Mr Bowersox at UCLA, described him as a very passionate academic who was keen to learn and to help others.
"To live, for Stephen, was to learn," said Dr Summers, adding that: "He was one of the most sensitive, self-reflexive, and hilarious people I have ever encountered."
"Stephen should not be remembered by the way he died, but rather by the way he complexly and beautifully lived.
"In remembering Stephen this way, then he does, in fact, live on."
After completing his PhD, Mr Bowersox wanted to pursue a career as a university lecturer.
Stephen was cremated last Thursday at Macclesfield crematorium.
Coroners are currently carrying out tests to establish the cause of death, but results are not expected for several weeks.
Has the time of Death and cause of death been determined? He was extremely smart and had a lot to contribute to the world.
When the report comes out -- stating the cause of this untimely death of dear Stephen Bowersoxs, then may some one please inform me of the details? I may have been the last to speak to him (via the phone: international call), and I need the answer/s to the cause of this death, which was not (in any or in every way) his own.
Thank you, Robert Summers
Stephen was a dear friend. When he moved away for post graduate school we lost contact. This man means a great deal to me and I am looking to get in contact with any friends or family that could inform me on the status of his celebration of life ceremony back in Poway. If you have any information could you please e-mail me at this address: allen.scudder@gmail.com
After writing the last reply, I read more emails and got the following from Mr. Bowersox:
We are arranging a Mass at St. Michael's Church in Poway for March 14, 2008 at 10:30 am. Stephen converted to Catholicism after my mom died.
The celebration of his life will be on March 30 at the City Office building gardens, adjacent to City Hall. It will be mid-day (probably 11:00 am - 2:00 pm). We will offer an opportunity for those who wish to speak, as well as those who wish to write their thoughts and a meal we can all share. Photos and letters are most welcome.
Please share this with those interested. Thanks.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to PFLAG San Diego in Stephen's name.
Hi Allen - Hope you are doing well. I have been in touch with the family and I know that a Celebration of Life Ceremony is planned for Stephen, but as of last week, no date had been determined yet. I don't know if I'll remember to write on here, so please contact me at tbarkerb@powayusd.com and I'll be happy to let you know what I hear. Take care, Traci