WMU News

WMU mourns loss of two students

September 28, 1998

KALAMAZOO--The University community is mourning the deaths of two WMU students, who died Sunday, Sept. 27, in unrelated incidents.

Katherine R. Larsen, 20, a junior theatre education major from St. Joseph, Mich., died of unknown causes Sunday morning at the home of a friend. Her death is being investigated by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff Department.

Edward D. Tanis, 28, a master's student in social work from Kalamazoo, died Sunday evening in a fall from a downtown Kalamazoo parking garage. His death is being investigated by the City of Kalamazoo Police Department.

"They died under very different circumstances, but the death of any young person filled with promise is a tragedy in which we all share," said Dr. Elson S. Floyd, president of WMU. "We share the pain of those who knew them well and extend our condolences to the families, friends, classmates and instructors of both students. I've asked the WMU Department of Public Safety to assist, in any way possible, the authorities who are conducting both investigations. I've also asked our Counseling Center staff to provide their assistance to those on the campus who are coming to terms with their loss."

Media contact: Matt Kurz, 616 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu


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