The Creighton community came together to remember Adam Caroll during a prayer service at St. John’s. 

Caroll, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, passed away in an accident during a trip to Colorado over winter break. During his time at Creighton, Caroll was a member of ROTC, the Freshman Leadership Program, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, the Pre-Med society and the Climbing Club. 

“It is clear Adam was a young man who regularly sought new opportunities and challenges to grow and give back to others,” Creighton President the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson said in an email to Creighton students and staff.  

The service on Jan. 11, was celebrated by the Rev. Jeff Sullivan, S.J., and attended by Carroll’s friends and family. The church was nearly full and those in attendance were showing emotion and comforting one another.  

Caroll’s loved ones from his hometown in Texas, including his parents, attended the service virtually. Hendrickson also attended the service virtually from Phoenix.  

“This evening we remember Adam Caroll,” Vice President of Mission and Ministry Cynthia Schmersal, PhD, said at the beginning of the service. “We gather as a community to pray for Adam and for all who love him. We also gather to express our grief and to comfort one another during this difficult time.” 

The service included hymns, prayers for Caroll and his loved ones, readings from the Bible and a homily by Sullivan. As part of the homily, Sullivan read thoughts about Caroll from his family and friends..  

“This is what was said about him: he’s a man of character, placing the needs of others above himself. He was a man of discipline, in his studies and in his exercise. He would get up at 2 a.m. for Cane’s runs and then get up at 5 a.m. for workout calls. He was a true gentleman, honest, kind and proud,” Sullivan said.  

Sullivan continued listing fond memories and characteristics of Caroll before he added, “It’s clear to me that he was blessed with all of these gifts and all of this potential… And while it might not feel like it – because it hurts, because we’re sad – we are blessed for his memory and his life.”  

In a statement on their Instagram, Sigma Alpha Epsilon shared a post with thoughts from Caroll’s fraternity brothers. “Adam was a kind and caring person who was just beginning his time here in SAE,” part of the post’s caption said. “We ask everyone to pray for Adam’s friends and family during this time.” 

 In his email Hendrickson directed anyone grieving to Student Counseling Services, Campus Ministry and the Employee Assistance Program. Support from campus resources was also offered at the entrance of St. John’s following the prayer service. A recording of the service was uploaded to YouTube.   

“Please continue to keep the Carroll family in your prayers and join me in asking for God’s grace, protection and comfort in the days and weeks ahead as we join all those whose lives Adam touched and remember all the light that he brought to our world,” Hendrickson wrote in his email.