Grace College Provides Update on Bethany Nesbitt Death

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

This morning, Kosciusko County Coroner Tony Ciriello released information on the cause of Bethany Nesbitt’s death.  The report reads:

“After a complete investigation and autopsy, the cause of death has been ruled natural due to a pulmonary embolus that had not been previously detected.  While COVID did play a role in contributing to the death, it was not caused by COVID.”

Bethany Nesbitt, a 20-year-old student studying psychology from Grand Ledge, Michigan, was found deceased in her dorm room on Oct. 30.

Grace College President Dr. Bill Katip made the following statement:

“Grace College students, faculty and staff continue to pray for the Nesbitt family and mourn the loss of a beloved classmate and friend, Bethany Nesbitt.  We are also working with the family to honor Bethany’s legacy.  She will always be remembered for her joyful spirit, her love for the Lord and others and her positive impact on campus.”

“It is in times like these that our only sure and true comfort comes from knowing the Lord, the God of all creation. I am reminded of what the psalmist says in Psalm 73: ‘My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.’”

Grace College has detailed protocol and procedures in place to care for students, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus and to monitor anyone on campus with COVID-19 symptoms.  These procedures were followed in the care of Bethany Nesbitt.

Friday, October 30, 2020

The Grace College family gathered on Friday afternoon to pray for the family and friends of Bethany Nesbitt following the news of her death. Grace College President Dr. Bill Katip led the campus in prayer outside of the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.

Bethany, age 20, was a third-year psychology major at Grace College from Grand Ledge, Michigan. The youngest of nine children, her ambition was to become a child life specialist working with ill and disabled children in a hospital setting.

Her academic advisor and Dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences Dr. Kevin Roberts described Bethany as “an extremely bright and quick-witted young woman who demonstrated a laser focus in her career aspirations to serve hurting children.” Bethany was on track to graduate this May.

Bethany’s resident director Alicia Meyer recounted, “Bethany was incredibly sweet and remarkably thoughtful. She demonstrated intention when she asked questions and checked in with others. She was known to shout across the hall with friends and make others laugh.”

Bethany will be remembered as an exceptionally thoughtful and kind young woman who loved the Lord and others well.  Her compassion and intentionality defined her on campus and will never be forgotten.

Grace College leadership has been in close contact with Bethany’s parents since learning of her passing. “We share a mutual trust in the Lord and dependency on His mercy and grace,” said Dr. Bill Katip, president of Grace College. “We will continue to support the Nesbitt family in any way possible as they process the tragic news and mourn the loss of their daughter.”

Grace College continues to provide counseling and support to those who loved and cared for Bethany.  While we await answers on the cause of her death, there is no reason to suspect foul play or self-harm.  As we mourn Bethany’s passing, we take comfort in the knowledge that she is now with the Lord.

Friday, October 30, 2020

It is with great sadness that we report Grace College student Bethany Nesbitt was discovered passed away in her residence hall on Friday morning at approximately 10 a.m.

At this time, the cause of her death is unknown. Local health authorities are working to determine the cause.

All classes and sporting events are canceled for the rest of today.  A campus-wide prayer meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. outside of the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center. Social distancing and mask-wearing will be practiced at this gathering.

The Grace College family is deeply grieved by Bethany’s death.  Our current focus is on providing care and counsel to her family, friends and classmates. Grace’s Counseling Center staff will be available for students at the prayer meeting and following.

We will send updates and additional information when it is available.

We ask everyone to join us in prayer for the Nesbitt family and friends.