Remembering Bryan Lopez

This story contains information about a student death. Reader discretion is advised.

On December 31, 2021, we lost Bryan Lopez, a beloved member of our community, to suicide. A sophomore at Duke University, Bryan became a Cooke Young Scholar at just fourteen years old and was most recently in the Cooke College Scholarship Program. As a Scholar local to the Foundation, many of us had the opportunity to experience Bryan’s passion, brilliance, and thoughtfulness firsthand. 

His mother Claudia wanted us all to know how much Bryan loved being a Cooke Scholar and cared about this community. We offer our sincerest condolences to Bryan’s parents Claudia and Jose, his sister Brenda, and the many friends and loved ones who he left behind. 

To honor Bryan, please reach out to a friend or loved one to let them know you care.

If you are in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-273-8255.

You can also get help by texting “HEAL” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or contacting Lifeline Crisis Chat.

If you’re under 21, you can call Teen Link at 866-TEENLINK (866-833-6546) and ask to talk to a peer. The phone line is open 6 p.m.– 10 p.m. and chat is available 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily.