Grace College Mourns The Death Of A StudentWINONA LAKE – Grace College Friday reported student Bethany Nesbitt was discovered deceased in her residence hall at approximately 10 a.m. Friday.
At this time, the cause of her death is unknown, but foul play and self-harm are not suspected, according to a news release from Grace. Local health authorities are working to determine the cause.
All classes were cancelled Friday, and all sport events on Friday and Saturday were postponed. Make-up dates for the competitions are being decided and will be updated on Grace’s schedules online.
A campus-wide prayer meeting was held at 1:30 p.m. outside of the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center to pray for the family and friends of Nesbitt. Grace College President Dr. Bill Katip led the campus in prayer.
Nesbitt, 20, was a third-year psychology major at Grace College from Grand Ledge, Mich. The youngest of nine children, her ambition was to become a child life specialist working with ill and disabled children in a hospital setting, according to a second news release from Grace.
Her academic advisor and dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Kevin Roberts, described Nesbitt as “an extremely bright and quick-witted young woman who demonstrated a laser focus in her career aspirations to serve hurting children.” She was on track to graduate in May.
Nesbitt’s resident director, Alicia Meyer, said, “Bethany was incredibly sweet and remarkably thoughtful. She demonstrated intention when she asked questions and checked in with others. She was known to shout across the hall with friends and make others laugh.”
Nesbitt will be remembered as an exceptionally thoughtful and kind young woman who loved the Lord and others well, according to the release. Her compassion and intentionality defined her on campus and will never be forgotten.
Grace College leadership has been in close contact with Nesbitt’s parents since learning of her passing. “We share a mutual trust in the Lord and dependency on His mercy and grace,” said Katip. “We will continue to support the Nesbitt family in any way possible as they process the tragic news and mourn the loss of their daughter.”
Grace College continues to provide counseling and support to those who loved and cared for Nesbitt. “As we mourn Bethany’s passing, we take comfort in the knowledge that she is now with the Lord,” a release stated.
Updates and additional information will be provided when available.
Grace asks everyone to join them in prayer for the Nesbitt family and friends.
