Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging‚ 33‚ died on Saturday (20 August) when his Hawk T1 aircraft crashed into a field following a Red Arrows display as part of Bournemouth Air Show. Jon studied at the University between 1997 and 2000 and in his honour the flagpole on Highfield Campus will be flown at half–mast today (22 August).
Dr Malcolm Hudson‚ Lecturer in Environmental Sciences‚ who taught Jon‚ said:
“Jon was a really popular young man. He got on very well with the staff and the other students and was a great guy to have in a class with a wicked sense of humour.
“Jon was really interested in the environment‚ which is why he chose to take a degree in Environmental Sciences. He was very hard working both in his studies and in his longer term aims of becoming a pilot. He was awarded an RAF cadetship during his degree and was active in the University Air Squadron. Flying was always his huge passion, he was incredibly focused on making it as a pilot- which he did with great distinction.
“All of us who knew him are very proud of what he achieved in the RAF and we are desperately sad that his life has been cut short.”
The Chaplaincy is offering the opportunity for staff and students who wish to, to take a quiet moment to remember Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging. Colleagues will be able to light a candle and write a message to send to Jon’s widow. The Quiet Room upstairs in the Chaplaincy building (41 University Road) will be open between 11:30am and 1:30pm on Tuesday 23 August and Wednesday 24 August.