The community at Colgate University is in mourning following the tragic death of 21-year-old Sohail A. Nabi, whose body was discovered in the Schroon River in Upstate New York. Nabi, a member of the class of 2026, was reported missing after his kayak capsized on May 10, just days ahead of what was meant to be a jubilant graduation celebration.
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New York State Police confirmed that Nabi was from Yonkers, NY, and that his body was retrieved from the water on the evening of 11 May. The recovery operation commenced after authorities received a report of a missing kayaker and an overturned canoe in the river. Initial search efforts on Sunday involved both the underwater recovery team and the Warren County Marine Rescue Team, but they were unable to locate him that night.
Authorities continued their search the following day, and by around 5:55 PM, Nabi’s body was located submerged in approximately 12 feet of water, around 100 feet from where his kayak had flipped. In an update from the police, it was revealed that Nabi had been kayaking alongside a small group of friends when he went missing. The group lost sight of him after the kayak overturned, prompting them to call for assistance.
While the investigation surrounding the incident is ongoing, the cause of Nabi’s death is pending a formal autopsy. The loss of such a vibrant young man has left a profound impact on his classmates, professors, and the broader university community. Brian W. Casey, the president of Colgate University, expressed the deep sense of loss felt by all who knew him.
In a heartfelt statement, Casey conveyed, “At moments like this, words feel insufficient. Sohail was a son, a friend, a classmate, and a member of this community.” He reflected on the timing of the tragedy, occurring as students and their families were preparing for Senior Week and the upcoming commencement ceremony.
To honour Nabi’s memory, a candlelight vigil is set to take place on 13 May at Memorial Chapel. President Casey shared his plans to include a special acknowledgment of Sohail during the Baccalaureate service, which has always been a time for reflection before graduation ceremonies commence. He remarked, “That service, already a moment of reflection before Commencement, will give us another opportunity to recognise his place in the Class of 2026 and in the life of this University.”
As the university community grapples with their collective grief, Casey noted the duality of emotions that will coexist in the days ahead: the mourning of a beloved student and the celebration of the achievements of the graduating class. “We will need to hold together two truths. We are grieving the loss of a beloved student. And we are also preparing to honour the accomplishments of our seniors,” he stated.
President Casey also emphasised the importance of remembering that these experiences — loss and celebration — are not mutually exclusive. “To honour Sohail’s life is also to honour the class of which he was a part, the friendships he formed here, and the community that now mourns him,” he added, underscoring the communal bond that has been strengthened through shared sorrow.
As the Colgate University community prepares to celebrate its graduates, they will do so with a heavy heart, remembering the life of Sohail A. Nabi and cherishing the contributions he made during his time at the university. The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the deep connections that tie students together in their shared experiences.