A 17-year-old Chico State student died from heart failure Oct. 23.

Griffin Dorais’ heart failed while on a camping trip with family in Amador county, according to a campus-wide email. He was transported to Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento. A week later, his family was notified that his brain was no longer functioning.

Dorais, an organ donor, remained on life support for five days while doctor searched for patients to receive his donated organs, according to the announcement.

Nathaniel Millard, lecturer in the English department, said in the announcement that Dorais was always pushing the envelope in his academic writing class.

“I liked Griffin,” he said. “He always sat right in the front row and had a great smile. He liked to challenge me a bit, but I always love those students. Griffin was thinking and pushing boundaries a bit and figuring things out. He was part of the conversation and asking questions. He seemed really curious and excited about the class.”

Christopher Young, an assistant residence community coordinator in University Housing, said in the announcement that Dorais was a pleasure to have around.

“Griffin had a large, outgoing and positive personality,” he said. “No matter what was going on around him he always knew how to lighten the mood and put a smile on your face.”

A memorial will be held Nov. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Conzelmann Community Center, 2201 Cottage Way, at the Fulton-El Camino Recreation & Park District offices in Sacramento.

The university flag will be lowered Friday in his honor.

Students can access free urgent walk-in services at the Counseling and Wellness Center in Student Services building 430 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

David McVicker can be reached at [email protected] or @DavidPMcVicker on Twitter.