Victims of University of Nevada Las Vegas Shooting Identified as Faculty Members Patricia Navarro Velez and Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang

Accident – death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS — The tragic shooting incident that occurred at the University of Nevada Las Vegas on Wednesday has claimed the lives of four faculty members, according to recent reports. The victims have been identified as esteemed members of the university’s academic community.

Expressing his deep sorrow and shock, UNLV’s President Keith E. Whitfield released a statement acknowledging the devastating impact of the incident. He stated, “Yesterday was the most difficult day in the history of our university. Words are still hard to come by as we’re only beginning to process the grief, loss, anger, and fear associated with Wednesday’s tragic campus shooting that took the lives of three of our cherished faculty members. Another faculty member remains hospitalized.”

In response to the tragedy, President Whitfield is working closely with the university’s senior leadership team and the Nevada System of Higher Education to determine the appropriate course of action for the remainder of the academic semester, including finals and commencement. An update is expected to be provided on Friday.

The university has identified two of the faculty members who lost their lives in the shooting. Patricia Navarro Velez and Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang were both members of the Lee Business School faculty. The Clark County coroner’s office confirmed that Chang, 64, and Navarro-Velez, 39, were professors.

Navarro-Velez, an accounting professor with a Ph.D. in accounting, specialized in cybersecurity disclosure and data analytics, according to the university’s website. Chang, an associate professor in the Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology department, held a Ph.D. in management information systems and had been teaching at UNLV since 2001.

The identity of the third faculty member who lost their life has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. Additionally, one victim remains hospitalized as of Thursday.

The shooting incident has sent shockwaves through the university community and the wider Las Vegas area. The tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved campus safety measures and addressing the root causes of violence.

As investigations into the motive and circumstances of the shooting continue, the university and local authorities are focused on providing support to the affected families and ensuring the well-being of the campus community.

The UNLV shooting has prompted discussions on gun control and mental health resources, with calls for comprehensive measures to prevent future tragedies. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in maintaining a safe environment conducive to learning.

Efforts are being made to support grieving students, faculty, and staff members. Counseling services have been made available to those affected by the shooting, and the university is organizing memorial events to honor the victims and provide an opportunity for the community to come together in solidarity.

The tragic loss of these dedicated faculty members has left a profound void in the UNLV community. As the investigation unfolds, the university remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff, while also seeking ways to prevent such incidents in the future.

The entire UNLV community, as well as the wider Las Vegas community, mourns the loss of these esteemed individuals and stands united in support of those affected by this senseless act of violence..