‘Treasured’ Queen’s University cheerleader dies suddenly over the weekend

A celebration of life has been organized for a young Queen’s University student who died suddenly over the weekend.

Bethany Qun Yi Yan, a fourth-year student in concurrent education aiming to teach French and history, died Sunday, Jan. 26.

“Bethany will be remembered for her love for teaching and desire to make a difference in students’ lives,” read a Queen’s statement that was released Wednesday.

Qun Yi Yan was also passionate about cheerleading and was a member of the Queen’s varsity cheerleading team for four years. She was nicknamed “Boat” by her teammates, according to the university.

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“Her teammates describe ‘Boat’ as a treasured member of the Queen’s cheerleading family who brought joy to everyone she met,” the Queen’s statement continued.

The cause of death has not been released at this time.

Flags on campus will be lowered on Thursday and a memorial fund has been started in her memory.

The fund will be awarded to “financially assist those who dream to become educators and who have a passion for teamwork and cheerleading.”

The celebration of life will take place on Saturday at Mount Pleasant Cemetry, Cremation and Funeral Centres in Toronto at 4 p.m.