Last Updated on October 23, 2023, 10:34 am
Remembering Patrick Torrey, a 22-year-old SAU student who died in a tragic accident before last year’s Thanksgiving break.

Patrick Torrey, a 22-year-old promising young man from Pekin, Illinois, tragically died in a deadly accident on November 19, 2022. He was a student-athlete at St. Ambrose University. He played basketball on the school’s team.
Who was Patrick Torrey?
Patrick Torrey was a bright young man from Pekin, Illinois. He was born on October 21, 2000. He was gifted in academia and excelled in athletics as well. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic School, where he was named the 2015 Pekin Elk Student of the Year. He furthered his studies at Pekin Community High, where he participated in several activities and won a scholarship.
He went to St. Ambrose University, studying psychology, and played on the school’s basketball team. He had aspirations to become a child therapist. He loved children and was delighted to work with them at Pekin Park during summer. At St. Ambrose University, Patrick continued to thrive. He won several scholarships, both academic and athletic. He played basketball on the school’s team and proudly wore a number 40 jersey.
He was well known for his generosity and kindness. He treated everyone with respect, regardless of their age or gender. He always had a welcoming smile on his face. He loved everyone, and everyone loved him. His basketball Coach, Ray Shovlain, spoke highly of him, said he always “did the right thing when no one was watching,” and called him a “difference-maker.”
What happened to Patrick Torrey?
He passed away in an accident. The details of Patrick’s death have not been made public. St. Ambrose University president Amy Novak announced his death to SAU students and expressed his sadness over the unexpected loss of a student on the school’s website. He said Patrick shared his talents with their men’s basketball program, and “all will greatly miss his leadership and energy.”
The SAU Campus Ministry Office and Counselling Center offered extended hours, group workshops, and therapy dog visits to students seeking support.
The community mourned Patrick Torrey
The community came together to mourn its beloved member. Family, Friends, and university staff gathered at the Christ the King Chapel for a prayer service on Monday, November 28, 2022, to remember Patrick Torrey. The Chapel was filled with community members who came to pay their respects and mourn the loss of its cherished member, overwhelming the family with love and support. They also donated generously to a GoFundMe fundraiser to help his family with unexpected funeral and burial expenses.
Patrick is survived by his parents, Todd and Patricia, and his sisters, Christy and Olivia.
We offer our sincerest sympathies to Patrick’s family and friends. May they find strength as they remember him through this difficult time.
Source: uptospeedjournalism.com
Copyright 2023 Uptospeed Journalism. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.