Caltech Statement on UCLA Tragedy

Caltech mourns the loss of UCLA professor and Caltech alum William S. Klug (PhD mechanical engineering, conferred in 2004).

Professor Klug's death was the result of a terrible act of violence and we are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of an accomplished scholar, husband, and father. The thoughts of the entire Caltech community are with Professor Klug's family, colleagues, and students at this difficult time, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to them.

A longtime collaborator with Caltech faculty, Professor Klug was passionate about his work at the intersection of mechanics and biology. His early explorations investigated the mechanics of DNA packaging in viruses. In recent years, he had become very interested in modeling the biomechanics of the heart, particularly its electrophysiology.

Our faculty, staff, students, and alumni will remember an exemplary and compassionate human being who was dedicated to his family and an exceptional scholar, colleague, mentor, and friend.

Please know that there are numerous resources available for all members of the Caltech community. If you or someone you know needs to talk with someone, please don't hesitate to reach out to a friend, to deans, or to the counseling centers, and please speak up if you have concerns for another person.

Support for students is available through many offices and organizations on campus, including the graduate and undergraduate deans, Catalina Community Associates, Resident Associates (RAs), Residential Life Coordinators (RLCs), Health Advocates, Upperclass Counselors (UCCs), and the Center for Diversity. The Caltech Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and has extended evening drop-in hours available this week, with no appointment necessary. For more information call 626-395-8331 or visit www.counseling.caltech.edu.

Faculty, staff, and postdocs are encouraged to contact the Staff & Faculty Consultation Center at x8360.