Andrew Wieman
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Andrew Vernon Wieman was born on June 19, 1980, and raised in Eureka, California. He grew up in a close-knit Christian family with his parents, Wes and Jan, and his brother, Dan.
Andrew was known for his kindness and his sense of humor. Friends often described him as outgoing and full of energy, someone who enjoyed making others laugh and didn’t take himself too seriously. He had a playful side and was always willing to lean into a joke or bring levity to a moment. Among friends, he earned the nickname “the Funny Duck,” a reflection of his easygoing nature and ability to connect with those around him. He loved spending time outdoors and being active. Andrew played varsity soccer and basketball and enjoyed skiing whenever he had the opportunity. In High School, Andrew was a member of Limited Edition Choral Group, and founded (and was president of) the Weight Lifting Club. He graduated 5th in his class. Andrew valued time with friends, whether that meant being social on campus or simply enjoying everyday moments together. He drove a 1987 Nissan that he and his friends referred to as “The Nerd,” a small detail that reflected both his personality and the friendships that shaped his college years. Andrew attended the University of California, Davis, where he studied Managerial Economics with a minor in Spanish. He maintained a 3.8 GPA and was fluent in Spanish. He was driven, goal-oriented, and focused on building a successful future. On campus, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, where he served as Treasurer - an indication of the trust placed in him by his peers. His faith remained an important part of his life. Through his church, Andrew participated in mission trips to Mexico, where he spent time serving others and engaging with communities beyond his own. Andrew Wieman was 20 years old at the time of his death. |
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Andrew's Death
In the early hours of January 4, 2001, Andrew Wieman was found dead in his locked room at his fraternity residence at the University of California, Davis.
Andrew had last been seen on January 1, 2001, after returning from a New Year’s trip near Lake Tahoe with friends and fraternity brothers. In the days that followed, he was not seen or heard from for nearly 60 hours - an absence that has never been fully explained.
Concerned, fraternity members eventually entered Andrew’s room to conduct a welfare check, where they discovered him.
Following an investigation that lasted approximately 13 months, authorities officially ruled Andrew’s death a suicide.
According to reports, Andrew sustained 29 stab wounds, multiple of which were determined to be fatal. Evidence collected from the scene included a knife, DNA samples, a note believed to be a suicide note, and a Bible nearby with a bookmark in the First Epistle of Peter, Chapters 1 and 2, passages that reference enduring suffering as a Christian.
From the outset, Andrew’s family and friends struggled to reconcile the official determination with both the nature of the injuries and their understanding of who Andrew was. Those close to him have consistently stated that they were unaware of any signs that he was experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress in the time leading up to his death.
The case was ultimately closed following the determination. However, more than two decades later, Andrew’s family and friends continue to seek clarity, holding onto questions about what truly happened during the final days of his life.
Andrew had last been seen on January 1, 2001, after returning from a New Year’s trip near Lake Tahoe with friends and fraternity brothers. In the days that followed, he was not seen or heard from for nearly 60 hours - an absence that has never been fully explained.
Concerned, fraternity members eventually entered Andrew’s room to conduct a welfare check, where they discovered him.
Following an investigation that lasted approximately 13 months, authorities officially ruled Andrew’s death a suicide.
According to reports, Andrew sustained 29 stab wounds, multiple of which were determined to be fatal. Evidence collected from the scene included a knife, DNA samples, a note believed to be a suicide note, and a Bible nearby with a bookmark in the First Epistle of Peter, Chapters 1 and 2, passages that reference enduring suffering as a Christian.
From the outset, Andrew’s family and friends struggled to reconcile the official determination with both the nature of the injuries and their understanding of who Andrew was. Those close to him have consistently stated that they were unaware of any signs that he was experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress in the time leading up to his death.
The case was ultimately closed following the determination. However, more than two decades later, Andrew’s family and friends continue to seek clarity, holding onto questions about what truly happened during the final days of his life.