Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Since 1907
Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Senior student Eric De Groot dies unexpectedly

Photo+courtesy+LinkedIn.
Photo courtesy LinkedIn.

Senior student Eric De Groot died unexpectedly Monday morning.

Chimes has not yet been able to obtain a police report of the incident and Calvin sources say the cause of death is still unknown.

De Groot’s family told Calvin officials the death was accidental.

“Please pray for Eric’s family, friends and roommates as they endure this immense loss,” said Bob Crow, dean of student development.

Calvin leadership announced De Groot’s death in an email to students, faculty and staff late Tuesday morning.

De Groot was in the Grand Rapids area at the time. He had a flight booked to go home to California to visit his family before classes started.

“Obviously this is a very difficult time for Eric’s family and friends, so we reach out to them in Christian solidarity to support them during this time,” Crow said. “We grieve, but not as those who have no hope.”

De Groot was from Tulare, Calif. and a graduate of Central Valley Christian High School, according to his Facebook page. He also had three older sisters who played volleyball for Calvin.

Chimes will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.

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The Broene Counseling Center and the campus ministries office are available to students, faculty and staff who may need support.

Students can stop in to schedule appointments with the Broene Counseling Center between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or call 616-526-6123. Broene also has online resources for dealing with grief for students who may not be in Grand Rapids.

Students, faculty and staff can also contact campus ministries for an appointment with a chaplain by stopping at their office in Commons Annex between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or by calling 616-526-6123.

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This article has been updated. An earlier report indicated that De Groot’s cause of death was a gunshot wound, but Chimes cannot yet verify that independently.

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