Death of a PCV in China

Peace Corps Global
FROM:            Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Acting Director
SUBJECT:      Peace Corps Volunteer Nicholas M. Castle

I am deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost a member of our Peace Corps family.  Yesterday, Peace Corps/China Volunteer Nick Castle, 23, died after a short illness in Chengdu, China.  His parents were at his bedside at the time of his death. 

Nick arrived in China on June 29, 2012, to begin his pre-service training and was sworn in as a Volunteer on August 27, 2012.  He was serving as an education Volunteer at Tongren University in Guizhou Province, where he taught university-level English.  He was scheduled to complete his service in July 2014.

Nick was an outstanding Volunteer who was dedicated to helping others and his passing is mourned by the entire Peace Corps community, including his fellow Volunteers in China, Peace Corps/China staff, and his students.  We are taking the necessary steps to ensure that Nick’s fellow Volunteers in China have the support they need in the days to come.

Nick was a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he received his bachelor’s degree in political science and comparative politics in 2012 and also spent a semester working with the local campus recruiter encouraging students to apply to the Peace Corps.

Prior to his Peace Corps service, Nick spent more than six years working as a volunteer tutor to middle school students in subjects including math, science, and reading.  He also spent time tutoring high school and college students in advanced math.

Nick, a resident of Brentwood, California, is survived by his parents, David and Susan Castle, and three brothers.  I ask that you keep Nick’s family and our Volunteers and staff in China in your thoughts and prayers.