Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) announced on Saturday that it is currently coordinating travel arrangements to return the remains of Nigerian student-athlete Divine Adili back to his home country.
The university confirmed that two representatives will travel alongside Adili to Nigeria.
One of these designated delegates is currently finishing the medical requirements and vaccinations mandatory for entering the West African nation.
“While documentary and travel arrangements are still being finalized in coordination with Divine’s family and the relevant authorities, preparations continue to ensure that Divine’s return home is carried out with dignity, care, and respect,” the university said.
University officials also urged the campus community to maintain their support for the grieving family.
“to continue keeping Divine and his family in your prayers.”
A public wake for the 21-year-old Nigerian basketball player was observed earlier this week at the Arlington Memorial Chapels. Additionally, ADMU hosted a candlelight memorial service that drew his Blue Eagles teammates, former head coach Tab Baldwin, and numerous members of the Ateneo community.
Adili and his 19-year-old fellow student-athlete, Rene Baterbonia, tragically drowned on June 8 during an official team-building trip in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The sudden loss of the two young athletes triggered an outpouring of grief across the university group and the local collegiate sports community.
Meanwhile, formal independent investigations by law enforcement authorities into the incident are still ongoing.