A student of clinical medicine at Lucy Cavendish recently died unexpectedly.

Hazel Sopp, a finalist at the female mature students’ College, passed away on Sunday October 12. The official cause of death is yet to be determined by the coroner.

Hazel had just entered her final year of a five-year Affiliate Student course in medicine, and was due to qualify in June 2009.
Prior to studying medicine, she had gained a first in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Astronomy from Churchill, then worked in the computer industry for a number of years.

Diana Wood, Director of Medical Education and Clinical Dean of the University said: “Hazel’s death was completely unexpected and a great shock and sadness to everyone who knew her, both in the Clinical School and her College.”

Friends of Hazel have also been paying their respects on the social networking site Facebook, remembering good times shared with her whilst lamenting the loss of a valued friend and colleague.

“You were an important part of our community here at Lucy and in Medicine,” wrote one friend posting on Hazel’s virtual ‘wall’.
“It is so hard to accept that you are gone,” said another. “Your kindness, your compassion, your intelligence, your wisdom, the list goes on. [You’re] an inspiration to us all.”

Another friend wrote, “I hope you’ve found peace – such a loss”. These words were echoed by a man who wrote “I am honoured to have been your friend”.

A memorial service will be held at Lucy Cavendish on Saturday November 23 at 2pm.

Craig Hogg