Fund established in memory of 20-year-old killed in Yellowknife

The University of Ottawa has established a fund in memory of a student killed in Yellowknife two years ago.

Emerson Curran, 20, died at a house party in August 2013 while working for the summer at Air Tindi.

Earlier this month, Yellowknife resident Roman Bourque was sentenced to five years in prison for Curran’s manslaughter. Following an argument, Bourque repeatedly punched Curran until the unconscious 20-year-old’s head hit the edge of a piano, triggering a hemorrhage at the base of his brain.

Read: Roman Bourque sentenced to five years for 2013 beating death

University of Ottawa: Emerson Curran Memorial Scholarship

“Emerson distinguished himself through his sense of humour, friendly demeanour, compassion and willingness to help others,” said Curran’s former university as it launched the Emerson Curran Memorial Scholarship. Curran had been entering the third year of his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.

The fund, set up with $100,000 donated by local business leaders, will provide bursaries of up to $3,500 to students “who have demonstrated outstanding community service and leadership”.