In an April 25 email addressed to Grand Valley State University’s staff, faculty and student body, Vice Provost and Dean of Students Loren Rullman alerted the campus community that a GVSU student died on campus that evening.

Grand Valley Police Department Capt. Jeff Stoll said that university police responded to a “medical incident” on the south side of GVSU’s Allendale campus shortly after 5 p.m., alongside Allendale Fire Department and paramedics from Life EMS. GVPD responding officers and paramedics attempted to resuscitate the student and were unsuccessful. The student was pronounced dead on the scene around 5:15 p.m. 

Stoll said the investigation is still ongoing, but initial indicators point to a death by natural causes, meaning medical examiners found no initial signs of violence or “aggravating factors.” 

“We will continue to connect with people and do an investigation that helps us provide insight into what were the events leading up to the unfortunate passing of a student,” Stoll said. 

Rullman said that officials from the University Counseling Center, Housing and Residence Life and the Dean of Students Office promptly arrived at the living center to provide support to those immediately affected. The family and roommates of the student have been notified of the incident. 

In the email to the campus community, Rullman extended his and president Thomas Haas’ sympathies to those affected. He also offered the University Counseling Center, Campus Interfaith Resources and other resources to students, staff and faculty in need of support.