WILLIAMSBURG — Edwin Jay “E.J.” Baum, a senior majoring in Neuroscience at William & Mary, passed away unexpectedly Thursday afternoon off campus, according to a letter shared with the campus community by Senior Vice President for Student Affairs & Public Safety Ginger Ambler.
“We offer our deepest sympathies to E.J.’s family, friends, and all who loved him. May we find solace in the care and comfort of other William & Mary community members who remind us that we are never alone in our grief,” Ambler said.
A graduate of the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, Baum joined William & Mary from his home in Alexandria and was involved in a variety of student activities, including playing club lacrosse, chess, and Esports.
Baum, who according to the university had an interest in mental health and wellness, was minoring in Psychology and served as head of the W&M Esports Wellness Advocates team. Baum was particularly interested in solving real-world problems by developing and deploying new technologies, it added.
Details were not yet available about Baum’s memorial arrangements, and Ambler said more would be shared at a later date.
His family has asked that the university collect expressions of sympathy on their behalf. Cards and letters should be sent to:
The Family of E.J. Baum
c/o Office of Student Affairs, Sadler Suite 374
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
The university stressed that there are resources available for anyone who needs them. Counselors may be reached anytime by phone at 757-221-3620, or may be accessed through TimelyCare, including 24/7 on-demand emotional support, counseling and guided self-care. If a student group is interested in having a counselor present at any meeting, they should reach out to the Counseling Center.
