The Bellingham community was stunned by the news of a student death in the Alma Clark dorms, following a devastating announcement earlier the same morning that a student had died from a fall at the Nash dorms.
The university confirmed that the student was found unresponsive in Alma Clark the morning of Oct. 10, but had died the night of Oct. 9. Peggy Watt, a professor within Western Washington University’s journalism department, was holding class at the time university president Sabah Randhawa’s statement was originally shared. Following its release, Watt stopped class and opened the floor for her students to share their reactions to the news.
“My reaction is sadness,” Watt said. “I mean it really is, these are young people that are at the beginning of their lives, it’s unimaginable… I tried to let [the students] talk and process this.”
One of Watt’s students, Sophie Cadran, shared her thoughts following the discussion.
“I think it was just kind of an eerie feeling… so many student deaths so close, so close in age, and also so close in proximity,” Cadran said.
Given the concern that had stemmed from two deaths within such a short period of time, the university was quick to assure that there was no perceived threat to the campus community.
“As law enforcement personnel and medical examiners conduct their work, it does not appear that these incidents are connected, and we will keep the campus community updated as we learn more,” President Randhawa said in a statement.
To respect the privacy of the students’ families and friends, the university has established that they will not be sharing any further details about the individuals at this time.
If students and faculty are looking for any support they can reach the WWU Counseling and Wellness Center at 360-650-3164 or the Employee Assistance Program at 877-313-4455.
Other community members can also look to Whatcom and nationally based behavioral health services which can be found here.
Eli Voorhies (he/him) is a fourth-year student at Western in the visual journalism program. Now serving as the managing editor, he has worked two previous stints as a Front editor and interned for Cascadia Daily News. Outside of the newsroom, he rock climbs and loses track of time in the photography dark room on campus. You reach him at eliv.thefront@gmail.com
