"A sudden, accidental and violent death like this sends a shudder through a whole community. Life is exposed as fragile, and death is exposed as real and near.
All we can do in the face of such horror is to cherish memories of our dead colleague, show his loved ones our appreciation and tangible support, live each day concentrating on the
habits and relationships that really matter, and be ready to face the truth about ourselves.
It's ok to be sad. Shock and grief are not illnesses. They are signs of our humanity, and signs of our love."
—Revd Canon Dr Sam Wells
Dean of the Chapel and Research Professor of Christian Ethics
Rayford Cofer, 63, a master steam fitter with FMD for nearly eight years and a Duke Meritorious Service Award winner, died this week when a steam line ruptured in the Levine Science Research Center (LSRC) on Research Drive.
Although trauma affects people differently, such events can create strong emotional and physical reactions. An important point to remember is that such
reactions are quite common and normal for people to experience when they experience or witness a horrible event. Read more...
PAS Offering Employees Support Services
Yesterday Duke lost one of our own when Rayford "Wiley" Cofer died as the result of a tragic accident in the basement of the Levine
Science Research Center. Losing Ray saddens us all and reminds us how precious life is.
Duke is a place where we all spend a considerable amount of time, giving our best while enjoying the company of our co-workers. When someone close to us passes away, not only
do we have to cope with this loss, but we must also adjust to working or returning to work after the death. The early weeks or months may be especially difficult.
To help Ray's friends and co-workers deal with his passing, Duke's Personal Assistance Service (PAS) is in contact with Facilities Management Department officials to determine the
kinds of support FMD staff need at this time. PAS will also offer support and grief counseling free of charge for Ray's family.
If you need help or support in dealing with your feelings, PAS's staff of licensed professionals are available to provide support and grief counseling free of charge. An appointment to
meet with a PAS counselor may be arranged by calling the PAS office at 416-1PAS (416-1727), Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Initial appointments are scheduled for
one hour.
For information about dealing with grief, click here.
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