Tyler Clementi
1992 - 2010

Tyler Clementi was an 18-year-old, first-year college student at Rutgers University. Tyler is believed to have committed suicide after his roommate, videoed Tyler having sex with a man. The videos subsequently ended up being broadcast on the internet. An NJNews article states Tyler's wallet was close to the George Washington Bridge September 22, 2010. A news article found on the Advocate website, indicates he left a note on his Facebook web page stating he was going to jump from the George Washington bridge.

According to Wikipedia, Tyler informed dorm officials he had been taped having sex and requested a new roommate after the first time he was videoed having sex. The Wikipedia article states Tyler's roommate tried to video him again having sex a day before Tyler Clementi jumped off the George Washington bridge. His body was found in the Hudson River.

Tyler's roommate, Dharun Ravi, and Molly Wei are reported to have been charged with invasion of privacy for videoing Tyler having sex and broadcasting the video on the internet.

Tyler played the violin in an orchestra. He was described as an accomplished musician and student, gifted, shy, polite, courteous, hard-working and a fine person. Tyler sounds like the kind of man who would be a good friend or neighbor and a dedicated employee.

Matthew Shepard put a face on hate-crimes murders. Tyler Clementi is putting a face on gay suicides. Both college men were attractive, intelligent men, who had enormous potential. Unfortunately, the deaths of both Matthew Shepard and Tyler Clementi attracted homophobic attention. An Examiner.com article states a Facebook memorial page for Tyler Clementi received homophobic posts. Tyler Clementi could have enriched society with his talent. His loss is intensely felt by those who recognize his potential.