James Madison University Mourns Freshman’s Tragic Passing
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the James Madison University (JMU) community is grappling with the untimely death of first-year student Bernard Stapelfeld. The tragic incident occurred early Thursday morning in Frederikson Hall, a residence hall in the Village, as confirmed by a campus notification email from the president’s office.
Bernard Stapelfeld, hailing from Pennsylvania, was a finance major and an honors student. The news sent shockwaves across the campus, prompting an outpouring of grief from fellow students, faculty, and clubs such as JMU Boarderline, a ski and snowboard club to which Stapelfeld belonged.
Bethany Blackstone, the Honors College dean, expressed her condolences, stating, “On behalf of the Honors team, I offer our deepest condolences to those who knew and loved him.” Stapelfeld’s impact on campus life is evident from the heartfelt messages shared by those who knew him.
In response to the tragedy, JMU’s notification and Blackstone’s message urged students to utilize available resources for mental health support, including the Counseling Center and TimelyCare. It serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health within the academic community.
JMU Assistant Vice President of Communications and university spokesperson Mary-Hope Vass assured that there is no threat to campus safety, and the Virginia State Police (VSP) are conducting the investigation. VSP Public Information Officer Sgt. Brent Coffey clarified that, as of now, the death does not appear to be “suspicious in nature,” emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing.
As the JMU community mourns the loss of Bernard Stapelfeld, the university emphasizes its commitment to supporting those affected by this tragedy. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone touched by this profound loss. In the wake of such events, the strength of the community is tested, and support for one another becomes paramount.
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