Lachlan McQuivey, Promising Freshman from Massachusetts, Remembered by Brigham Young University–Hawai‘i Community for His Compassion, Curiosity, and Unshakable Spirit as Students, Professors, and Friends Mourn the Sudden and Profound Loss That Has Left the Laie Campus in Grief and Reflection

LAIE, HAWAI‘I —
In a moment that has reverberated across the palm-lined campus of Brigham Young University–Hawai‘i, the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Lachlan McQuivey, an 18-year-old freshman student from Massachusetts, has cast a deep pall of sorrow over the university community. Lachlan’s untimely passing—news of which spread rapidly across dorms, classrooms, and spiritual spaces—has left faculty, students, and administration members reeling as they mourn the loss of a young man who had already begun leaving an indelible mark on those around him.

Described by classmates and professors alike as gentle, curious, brilliantly thoughtful, and quietly courageous, Lachlan was in his first semester at BYU-H, having only recently relocated from the mainland. In a campus known for its multiculturalism and focus on spiritual growth, Lachlan stood out not with loud gestures, but with a quiet warmth and humble authenticity that drew others toward him. His death—still the subject of quiet disbelief—has inspired candlelight vigils, heartfelt tributes, and private moments of prayer among his peers, many of whom had only just come to know him.

An Emerging Life Cut Tragically Short

Though just beginning his journey at BYU-Hawai‘i, Lachlan McQuivey had already become a treasured presence in the campus community. A native of Massachusetts, Lachlan had graduated from high school in the spring of 2024 with honors, drawn to BYU-H by its blend of academic rigor, spiritual values, and global diversity. He enrolled as a pre-business major, motivated by the desire to eventually enter international humanitarian work—a goal inspired by his faith and a recent mission trip to Central America that had deeply influenced his world view.

Friends describe him as someone with a natural empathy, always attuned to the emotional needs of those around him. “Lachlan wasn’t someone who ever tried to be the center of attention,” said Malia Chen, a dormmate from Hale 2. “But in every room he entered, he made you feel seen. He listened, really listened.”

His professors echoed that sentiment. Professor Jon Kaleo, who taught Lachlan in an introductory global business course, remembered him as a thoughtful contributor. “He didn’t speak often, but when he did, it was always something meaningful. His questions were never about surface-level answers—they were about values, ethics, and making a difference in the world. He had the kind of integrity that you wish every student had.”

Campus Reaction: Grief and Solidarity

News of Lachlan’s passing was first shared by university officials in a campus-wide email on the morning of Saturday, June 7, 2025. The message, signed by BYU-H President John S. K. Kauwe III, expressed the administration’s deep sorrow, offered condolences to Lachlan’s family, and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to offering emotional and spiritual support to all impacted students.

“We mourn with the McQuivey family and with all who knew Lachlan,” the statement read. “He embodied the spirit of aloha, humility, and faith that defines our university. His light, though briefly with us, touched many.”

Students quickly organized a candlelight vigil outside the Aloha Center, where nearly 300 students, faculty, and community members gathered in prayer, song, and remembrance. Many attendees wore white to symbolize peace and purity—colors that Lachlan himself often favored, according to friends.

One of the most emotional moments of the vigil came when a close friend, Noah Tevaga, read aloud a message Lachlan had once written in a personal journal:

“What I want most in life isn’t success in the way the world defines it. I want to be someone who helps others carry their burdens—someone who makes people feel safe.”

That sentiment, Noah said, reflected exactly who Lachlan was. “He made us feel like we mattered. And now it’s our turn to honor him by showing up for each other.”

A Devoted Latter-day Saint with a Deep Faith and Global Vision

Lachlan’s decision to attend BYU-Hawai‘i was rooted not only in academic aspiration but in a deep connection to his Latter-day Saint faith. Raised in an active LDS family in the Boston suburbs, Lachlan served as a youth leader in his local ward and was known for his passionate talks during sacrament meetings. He had expressed interest in serving a mission but chose first to pursue his degree while preparing spiritually for future service.

According to Bishop Tyler Mahina of the Laie 3rd Ward, which serves many BYU-H students, Lachlan had already begun integrating himself into the ward community. “He was never one to seek recognition, but when he was with us, you could feel his sincerity. He was committed to Christ, to learning, and to the idea that faith should be active—lived through service and love.”

His journal writings, later shared by his family with permission, reflected a soul deeply engaged with spiritual and philosophical questions. In one entry, he wrote:

“Faith doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means being willing to walk through the questions with God beside you.”

Family Statement and Reflections

The McQuivey family, who flew in from Massachusetts upon learning of Lachlan’s passing, issued a public statement filled with both grief and gratitude:

“We are heartbroken beyond words by the loss of our beloved son, brother, and friend. Lachlan was a light to our family and to everyone who knew him. While we are devastated, we are also deeply comforted by the outpouring of love from BYU-Hawai‘i and from members of the Church across the world. Lachlan was a gentle soul, a seeker of truth, and a friend to all. We ask for continued prayers and privacy as we try to process this unimaginable loss.”

They have since established the Lachlan McQuivey Memorial Fund, which will support scholarships for students pursuing international service and humanitarian work—fields that Lachlan had passionately hoped to contribute to in his future.

Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives Following the Tragedy

Recognizing the emotional toll of Lachlan’s passing on students and faculty alike, BYU-H has expanded its Counseling Services Department, offering extended hours and walk-in support in the days following the announcement. The Ho‘okele Student Center has opened its doors for group therapy sessions and spiritual counseling, bringing together chaplains, mental health professionals, and peer supporters.

Dr. Kamalei Fernandez, director of student wellness, emphasized the importance of open dialogue in moments of collective trauma. “Our grief is real, and it’s shared. We honor Lachlan’s memory not only by mourning but by ensuring that no student feels alone in their pain.”

In addition, the Religious Education Department hosted a special devotional on grief and faith, titled “Healing Through the Atonement”, which drew nearly 1,000 attendees, including members of the wider Laie community.

A Legacy of Light and Quiet Courage

Though his time on earth was brief, Lachlan McQuivey’s legacy is already shaping the conversations, relationships, and spiritual journeys of those who knew him—and even those who didn’t. In every dorm room where a candle still flickers in his honor, in every conversation between students supporting one another through sorrow, and in every prayer whispered on his behalf, his presence endures.

He leaves behind a vision of a better, kinder world—a world where listening deeply, loving earnestly, and serving humbly are not just aspirations but everyday practices.

In the words of his own journal:

“I want to leave behind something more than grades or titles. I want to leave behind love.”

Memorial Services and Contributions

A formal memorial service will be held on June 15, 2025, at the Cannon Activities Center, followed by a private celebration of life with the McQuivey family and invited friends. The family has invited members of the public to write letters of remembrance, which will be compiled into a book to be shared with future BYU-Hawai‘i students as part of a campus legacy project.

To contribute to the Lachlan McQuivey Memorial Fund, visit BYUH.edu/mcquivey-fund or donate through the university’s Giving Office.

In the warm trade winds and golden sunsets of Laie, where the sea meets the Spirit, Lachlan McQuivey’s story continues—not in years counted, but in lives touched.