A university in Washington is mourning the loss of two college students found dead on campus within less than 24 hours.
The first Western Washington University student died from an apparent fall from a residence hall on Wednesday night, the school said in a press release. Emergency services were notified of the incident at Nash Hall at around 10:30 p.m. and provided medical assistance at the scene.
The second student was found unresponsive Thursday morning in Alma Clark Glass Hall, another residence hall on the university campus.
The university said the deaths do not appear to be connected and there is no evidence of foul play or ongoing danger to the community. The incidents are being investigated by law enforcement.
The school did not release the students’ identities.
“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. The students’ families have been notified and will be receiving ongoing support from the university and from emergency personnel,” Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa said in a statement.
Randhawa said the university will not be sharing additional information about the deaths without permission from the families. He said the university will also wait for law enforcement and medical examiners to finish their investigations.
The school said it will be providing support and counseling for students and community members.
“As our community navigates this painful moment, let us remember that it is in times like these that we must lean on each other, mourn together, and not let anyone who may be suffering do so alone,” Randhawa said. “Together, we can find solace and strength in one another, ensuring that our students are remembered not just for their loss, but for the joy they brought into our lives. I encourage everyone to reach out—whether it’s to a friend, a faculty member, a colleague, or a counselor—if you are feeling the weight of this loss.”
Western Washington University is a public university located in Bellingham. It is the northernmost university in the contiguous U.S. The school has an enrollment of around 14,747 students.
Bellingham is located 21 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. It is the largest city in Whatcom County.
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