Get unlimited local news and information that matters to you.

Update: Two unrelated student deaths shock WWU community

Deaths do not appear to be connected, president says

By Charlotte Alden General Assignment/Enterprise Reporter

This story was updated on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. to include the apparent causes of death.

On Oct. 10, Western Washington University reported that a student died on campus after a fall from Nash Hall the night prior. Whatcom County interim medical examiner Dr. Aldo Fusaro confirmed on Oct. 15 that the 18-year-old male’s death was an apparent suicide.

Only hours after the first report, the university confirmed that a second student had died Wednesday night. The second student, an 18-year-old female, was found unresponsive in the Alma Clark Glass Hall dormitory on Thursday morning. Fusaro said the cause of death was possible drug overdose, but the toxicology report won’t be back from the laboratory for weeks.

Law enforcement is investigating both cases and said there are no indications of foul play or any connection between the two deaths, according to a Western news release.

The second student’s family has also been notified.

Students left flowers and candles to honor their classmate who died by suicide at Nash Hall at Western Washington University. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

President Sabah Randhawa published a statement at 1 p.m. Thursday, confirming the second death.

“No words can capture our shock and sadness at these two heartbreaking events, and our thoughts are with the loved ones of our students as their lives are forever changed by their losses,” he wrote. He said the university will only share private details about the students’ passing at the permission of their families and after law enforcement and the medical examiner have finished investigating both deaths.

“Over the next days and weeks, our counselors and Student Affairs professionals will be providing campus-wide support for students and community members who are struggling,” Randhawa said. “We will be reaching out to those campus community members who were close with these students, with Resident Advisors, and academic personnel.”

Associate Vice President Counseling, Health and Wellbeing Sislena Ledbetter said in an email Friday, Oct. 11 that counselors are currently “doing active work in the residence halls and with those who were close with the students.”


Ledbetter said the counseling center has seen a increased demand for services since the deaths, and that she strongly encourages people to seek support.

“In terms of navigating this kind of tragedy, engaging in both self-compassion activities and connecting with others, and allowing yourself to grieve are all essential,” Ledbetter said in an email. “Postvention processes are delicate as we balance the needs of the entire community … We must be both swift and thoughtful which sometimes feels like juggling competing ideas.”

Ledbetter said the university is “committed to providing a supportive environment for all students during this shocking and challenging time.”

Students can seek support 24/7 through the WWU Counseling and Wellness Center by contacting 360-650-3164. Employees can access support through the Employee Assistance Program at 877-313-445.

In April 2012, a 19-year-old WWU student died in a fall from the roof of Nash Hall. His death was determined to be a suicide.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline phone number is 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.

Latest stories

Business news for Whatcom and Skagit counties
Nov. 11, 2024 9:37 p.m.
Playground will serve Mountain View Learning Center preschool, community members
Nov. 11, 2024 9:36 p.m.
Musicians and speakers mark the day at American Legion Post 7
Nov. 11, 2024 3:26 p.m.

Have a news tip?

Subscribe to our free newsletters