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Trinitonian
The Student News Site of Trinity University

Trinitonian
The Student News Site of Trinity University

Trinitonian
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Remembering Aidan Heartfield

Diya Contractor and Samara Gerstle • July 14, 2025 • 1,096 Views
Courtesy of Chi Delta Tau Instagram
Aidan Heartfield ’26 was a marketing major at Trinity and member of Chi Delta Tau. The staff at the Trinitonian mourns the loss of our classmate and is thinking of all those who were affected by his loss.

Aidan Heartfield ’26, marketing major and member of Chi Delta Tau, has been confirmed deceased following the Guadalupe River flooding on July 4.

Trinity University released a statement confirming Aidan’s death on Monday morning. In upcoming weeks, Trinity will offer opportunities to remember him.

“As we move through this time of loss, the Trinity community will uphold and honor Aidan’s memory,” President Vanessa Beasley wrote. “We will also continue to take inspiration from the deep care and love he showed his friends and family.”

22-year-old Aidan, his long-term girlfriend Ella Cahill, and two of their friends, Reese Manchaca and Joyce Catherine Badon, were staying at a Heartfield family home in Hunt over the July 4 weekend when they were swept away in the flood.

After a week-long search organized by his father, J. Thad Heartfield, he was identified by volunteers on Saturday. Aidan’s body was returned home to Beaumont from San Antonio in a Sunday morning procession, following the same route as his high school sweetheart.

The Trinitonian staff is thinking of Aidan’s family, friends and everyone mourning his loss.

Support from a licensed mental health professional is available 24/7 to students by calling 855-850-4301. Chaplain Alex Serna-Wallender is available to students, faculty and staff at 210-330-7980 or via email. Dean Jessica Edonick and Associate Dean Benjamin Williams can be reached by email or 210-999-8843. Vice President Andrew Wells is available by email or by appointment.

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About the Contributors
Diya Contractor
Diya Contractor, Managing Editor
Hi there! I’m Diya (she/her), the Trinitonian’s managing editor for the 2025–2026 school year. I’m a senior studying political science with a minor in business, and I’m grateful for the chance to give back to the Trinity community by helping our staff of around 50 publish thoughtful, unbiased coverage each week. While much of my time is devoted to our award-winning newspaper, I also serve as president of TU Rotaract, a collegiate chapter of Rotary International. The Trinitonian is more than just a paper; it’s the student body’s voice. We’re here to tell your stories, amplify your perspectives and spark conversations across campus. So if you’ve got something to say, we want to hear it — because at the end of the day, this paper is yours.
Samara Gerstle
Samara Gerstle, Editor-in-Chief
Hi! Hello! I’m Sam (she/her), the editor-in-chief of the Trinitonian for the 2025-2026 school year. I’m an English major with minors in creative writing and French, and I’m also part of Alpha Chi Lambda and an intern for the creative writing department! I joined the Trinitonian during my first year at Trinity as a news reporter, and in the four years since I’ve started, I’ve come to love it dearly. The Trinitonian is a platform for Trinity voices — your voices — and we want to hear them all.