Kingston, Ont. (February 25, 2009) – The Queen's University basketball community is mourning the loss of alumni Mark Alessio who died tragically abroad on Monday in Madagascar.

Alessio attended Queen's from 1984 to 1989 and graduated with an honours degree in Psychology in 1989. He was a part of the Queen's Junior Varsity squad before joining the Queen's varsity team for three seasons from 1986 to 1989. He was a teammate and personal friend of actor Tom Cavanagh.

Alessio also played an additional season with McGill in 1990-91 while pursuing his post-graduate degree.

“Mark was a tremendous teammate and a truly incredible individual, said Bruce Caughill, who played two seasons with Alessio at Queen's. “He was a free spirit and more committed than anyone I have ever met to living life on his own terms. We will miss him and cherish the memories we have of him.”

“It's always disheartening to hear about the loss of life, especially when closely connected to our basketball community,” said Queen's men's basketball coach Rob Smart. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends in this trying period.”

Alessio, 43, was a teacher who had taught computer courses in Hong Kong, Mexico, Spain and Madagascar. He was taking a year off of teaching and was vacationing in Madagascar with his girlfriend at the time of his death.

A visitation will take place at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel in Guelph on Sunday, March 1, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 11 a.m.

Cards are available at the funeral home 519-821-5077 or send condolences at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com.