Chance Briant, music industry senior, died Monday morning, according to a Tuesday morning email from the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president. Briant was 21.
Briant, whose twin brother Destin is a visual arts senior, was interested in music, film, and history. He was the guitarist of student band Squirrel Queen and a videographer for local production company Iggy Vision, according to the groups’ websites.
A statement from the Briant family said that following the Paris attacks, Chance organized a concert fundraiser for the expenses of Nick Alexander, the Eagles of Death Metal merchandise manager who was killed in the attack on the Bataclan in November.
The family’s statement said, “Chance was extraordinarily generous and humble. He went out of his way to help other people, including his classmates and teachers.”
Victoria Ramos, philosophy/pre-law senior, was Briant’s classmate from kindergarten. She said of Briant, “The tenacity with which he took on everything he put his mind to was an inspiration for those of us who had the honor of growing up with him.
“Chance’s fierce love of music, his talent in acting, and his fascination with war history were unparalleled,” Ramos said.
The funeral and visitation will be held at La Chapelle de Martin & Castille at 330 St. Landry Street in Lafayette, Louisiana.
The visitation will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at Martin & Castille and will continue Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10 a.m., also at Martin & Castille. Interment will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery.
Students have organized a ride sharing system for the Lafayette services, Patricia Murret, Associate Director of Public Affairs, said. The link to the system is available on The Maroon’s social media accounts.
The university will also hold a candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. Sunday in the horseshoe, where Briant’s friends will speak. A second line around campus will follow, and students are welcome to attend mass at 9 p.m. in Ignatius Chapel, according to an email announcement from Murret.
On Monday at 5 p.m., the Music Industry Studies program will hold a memorial service in the St. Charles Room during its usual forum time. Murret said that details are forthcoming, but all students are welcome to attend.
The Chance Briant Memorial Fund, a Loyola scholarship program, has also been established to honor the student. Gifts can be given through the Faith in the Future website or mailed to 7214 St. Charles Avenue, Box 909.
The university has urged students to seek support from the Counseling Center if needed. Counselors are available during normal office hours on the second floor of the Danna Center or at 504-865-3835, or on nights and weekends at 504-865-3434.
