(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

Aaron Manson

TRU lowers flags to half-mast for Kamloops student who passed away due to accidental overdose

Sep 13, 2021 | 5:42 PM

KAMLOOPS — Aaron Manson’s family says it’s been a “sad go” since April 26.

The 26-year-old was entering his fifth and final year of a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), but tragically passed away due to an accidental overdose.

But Monday (Sept. 13) was a peaceful feeling, as Aaron’s mother Troylana Manson called it. TRU lowered its flags to half-staff in honour of its late proud student.

“The flags represent, for us here on campus, he was creating the best version of himself,” Troylana told CFJC Today. “He was a good person, and this was his life-long passion. We’re remembering all the great things about him, and we’re also remembering the fact that he had his struggles. It also represents there are many students who are going through exactly what he’s struggled with as well. It’s not just Aaron, there are hundreds of students who are supporting their siblings, or other family members, through this challenge.”

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Troylana believes her son would be proud to be remembered fondly as an advocate for mental health and substance use challenges. But most importantly, she hopes he’s remembered most as wanting each individual to be the best version of themselves, however that is.

“For some people it’s very simple, and other people it can be more complex,” she says. “He would talk to other students he didn’t even know, and he would be curious about where they came from and wanting them to have that happiness and contentedness with where they were going in their lives.”

Troylana says the lesson Aaron left her family is to be mindful of whoever they’re with – whether it be humans or animals – and appreciate each moment they’re living.