Late last week, the Drury community lost a beloved student, teammate and friend.

Sophomore Joseph Riley Fehr tragically passed away at on off-campus location on March 29. Fehr, 20, was a member of the university men’s soccer team and was studying computer science and software engineering as an honors student.

The absence of Fehr has already left a deep hole in the lives of his teammates, more specifically, his second family.

“Joe Fehr was brilliant,” said Ben Taylor, Drury’s men’s soccer head coach. “There was not a more popular player on the team and he was the glue that held people together. He wanted nothing more than to make everybody else happy, feel important and succeed. I’m at a loss and wish I could of done more.”

Adrian Sanchez, another teammate, had similar feelings.

“Joe was one of the friendliest guys I ever met and I’m saddened to say goodbye to such a great human being,” said Sanchez. “We’re all going to miss [Fehr’s] goofy outfits and crazy celebrations.”

His roommate Zach Norton is also heartbroken.

“Such an amazing friend and roommate; I miss him already,” said Norton. “I’ll never forget the hiking trip we went on together in Colorado.”

Dean of Students, Dr. Tijuana Julian, released a statement on March 29 about Fehr’s passing to the student body.

“This is an unfortunate tragedy and we ask that you keep Joe’s family in your thoughts and prayers as we move forward,” said Julian.

The soccer team and other friends traveled to his hometown, Omaha, Neb., for Fehr’s visitation and funeral service held on April 3 and 4, respectively.

Condolences for the family can be sent online at https://heafeyheafey.com/joseph-riley-fehr/. Support can also be given in the form of donation at https://www.gofundme.com/joseph-fehr-memorial. Donations received will go to the family to help memorialize his life.

A celebration of Fehr’s life and memorial service will be held on the Drury campus on Monday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m. in Stone Chapel.

If you are struggling with the loss, Drury encourages you to reach out to the campus’ counseling services. You can contact Ed Derr or Jena Steele at 417-873-7418. You can also make an appointment online or take advantage of the walk-in hours on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at FSC 114. The services provided by Counseling Services are free, voluntary and confidential.

Fehr was an important and beloved member of Drury. He will be greatly missed by all.