The Queen’s community is remembering Liam Horton, a PhD student in the Smith Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Queen’s University, who recently passed away.

At the time of his sudden and accidental death, he was working steadily towards his PhD and was recognized with many prestigious awards. Liam was a leader on the Queen’s varsity wrestling team and Kingston & Area Olympic Wrestling Club.

Liam was known for his outstanding academic promise and athletic abilities. He had a warm smile, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to helping others. His energy, intelligence, and generosity were gifts he shared freely. Driven by a quest for excellence, he took on every challenge with unrelenting determination.

Liam first earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mining and Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s. He went on to pursue a PhD in Engineering, Mechatronics, and Robotics, supervised by professors Brian Surgenor, Sidney Givigi and Josh Woods, and was a member of Offroad Robotics and Queen’s University Autonomous Robotics Research Group (QUARRG) in the Ingenuity Labs Research Institute.

His research focused on integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) into the bridge inspection process, allowing for automated data collection and real-time AI-based screening and decision-making of existing infrastructure.

His outstanding academic performance was recognized through numerous awards and scholarships. He was a Dean’s Scholar, awarded with the prestigious Medal in Mining Engineering, was a two-time recipient of the R.S. McLaughlin Fellowship, and awarded the highly-coveted Alexander G. Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship. Most recently, Liam was recognized for his research and studies by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), winning the Best Student Paper Award at the International Systems Conference this past April.

Liam was not only a scholar but a valued member of the Queen’s Varsity Wrestling team and the Kingston wrestling community. He was a highly-respected member who took on a leadership role and went above and beyond, assisting in leading practices, helping to prepare the practice facilities, assisting with roster management and competition and travel arrangements, and providing invaluable support for the coaches and fellow student-athletes.

Liam was one of three Horton boys. His twin brother is also a Queen’s University graduate. Liam often prepared Michelin Star-quality meals for his family and was devoted to his dog, Rogan. Along the way he inspired many. He was, at the time of his tragic loss, living a successful, happy and purposeful life.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, from 4-8 p.m. at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto. A service honouring Liam’s life will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 1 p.m. at the Royal St. George College Chapel of St. Alban, 120 Howland Ave., Toronto.

His loss is deeply felt by his family, close friends, and the countless individuals who were inspired by his passion and drive.

A family obituary is available online.

Support resources

For those impacted by this loss, support resources are available:

• Students in Ontario can call 613-533-2506, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, to schedule an appointment with the counselling team at Student Wellness Services (SWS) or drop in to SWS’s weekday afternoon mental health clinic (1-4 p.m.).
• 24/7, students can call Good2Talk, at 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868, or contact crisis support and counselling through Empower Me.   
• Faith and Spiritual Life offers multi-faith, non-judgmental support at chaplain@queensu.ca.  
• Employees can call the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider Telus Health One for a confidential support call at 1-877-789-7572 or visit one.telushealth.com.