Oxford University has been shaken by the tragic loss of 25-year-old PhD student Cal Shearer, whose untimely death has resulted in heartfelt tributes pouring in from friends, family, and the academic community. Found dead at their home on Leckford Road, Jericho, on October 30, the vibrant and compassionate student made significant contributions to neuroscience and touched many lives with their warmth and humor.
Following the discovery of Cal's body, the Oxford Coroner's Court opened an inquiry on November 7, delving deeply to understand the circumstances surrounding this heart-wrenching incident. Preliminary reports indicated the cause of death as hanging, and the court has scheduled the full inquest for March 10, 2025. The academic community is now left grappling with the irreplaceable void Cal has left behind.
Cal was not just any student; they were deeply passionate about neuroscience, focusing their doctoral research on the cognitive and neural bases of learning and decision-making. They enrolled at St John’s College as an undergraduate student back in 2017, completing degrees in psychology and linguistics before pursuing their MSc and DPhil at the University of Oxford. Their efforts earned Cal various accolades, including acceptance to the British Neuroscience Association’s scholar program, highlighting their potential and dedication to scientific exploration.
The grief-stricken family includes Cal’s parents, Paul Shearer—a well-known actor from the series The Fast Show—and Vicky Licorish, who is not only known as a former children’s TV presenter but also made strides as an actress and film producer. Cal’s younger sister, Eleanor, and partner, Imogen, are also left to mourn this heartbreaking loss. The couple tied the knot last year at their alma mater, where Cal’s academic endeavors began, solidifying the bond they had nurtured since their first meeting at the age of seven.
Memories of Cal overflow with the affection displayed by their family, friends, and colleagues who are now raising money for charities such as The Samaritans and Gendered Intelligence which support mental health initiatives. Since the memorial page was established, over £7,400 has been collected to honor Cal’s memory and offer support to organizations dedicated to mental health awareness—issues Cal was passionately invested about.
The memorial describes Cal as embodying countless sides melted together, highlighting their wicked wit and compassion: “Cal radiated warmth to all those around them.” This sentiment resonates strongly with those who had the privilege of knowing them. Their academic peers from Oxford's MRC Brain Network and Dynamics Unit have expressed shock over the tragedy and deeply felt loss of such promising talent.
Cal was diagnosed with autism at the age of 18 and embraced their identity as nonbinary and transgender. Their academic achievements reflect not just intellectual capability but also resilience. Throughout their studies, Cal remained dedicated to advocating for mental health, volunteering for Oxford Nightline, which is run by and for students, and the Samaritans, providing support to those grappling with similar issues.
The devastating reality is, even those who worked tirelessly to uplift others can struggle privately. Imogen, who now serves with the NHS, sought opportunities and appropriate treatments for Cal amid their mental health challenges. Despite this concerted effort from those around them, Cal's private battles proved insurmountable, embodying the complex interplay of mental health issues and support systems.
Cal’s mother poignantly reflected on her child’s struggles, stating, “Our brave, beautiful, blazingly clever, wickedly funny, and endlessly compassionate Cal sadly lost their battle with mental health this week. There are no words.” Such statements encapsulate the agony felt by those who loved Cal as the world reckons with the tragic realities of mental health, particularly within marginalized communities.
With the memorial site encouraging sharing memories, the sentiment encourages everyone to reflect on their wonderful qualities. Friends and colleagues have echoed this sense of loss with countless stories about Cal and the light they brought to their lives. Images of Cal alongside beloved pets stir nostalgia; moments marked by their shared laughter and warmth, now echoes of happier times.
Cal’s passionate pursuit didn't just thrive within books and research; it expanded to hobbies like kayaking with the Oxford Water Polo club, playing recorder with fellow enthusiasts, and joining the Army Cadets—showcasing their multifaceted personality. Pictures painted the picture of someone who loved life yet carried invisible loads too heavy to bear, illustrating the silent battle many face.
Cal's final note serves as both beautiful and heartbreaking—expressing gratitude for the love surrounding them. “I love you and I know how loved I am. I am lucky to have so much love surrounding me.” Such words leave many reflecting on the importance of mental health advocacy and the urgency of challenging the stigmas attached to it.
This tragic loss has opened discussions on community support systems, addressing how mental health issues affect diverse demographics, particularly those within marginalized categories. The intersection of academic pressure, personal identity, and mental health is evidently marked by Cal's life. The discussions surrounding their legacy compel many to recognize the importance of compassionate listening, accessibility of mental health resources, and awareness to navigate these deeply personal battles.
Cal's narrative reinforces the need for awareness and acceptance for neurodivergent and transgender individuals wrestling with societal pressures. While their time may have been cut short, the ripple of Cal's influence extends far beyond, igniting conversations on mental health, acceptance, and empathy among their peers and other communities.
Moving forward, it is hoped this incident serves as both a sobering reminder and catalyst for change, fostering environments where mental health struggles are openly discussed, and lives like Cal's are celebrated for their brilliance, humor, and generosity of spirit. The world remembers Cal Shearer, not only for their contributions to academia during their short life but also as someone who brought joy and warmth to the lives they touched. They will be forever missed, and the organizations involved continue seeking donations to carry on their legacy of support.
