Our community mourns the loss of Bailey Broderick

Dear campus community,

Today is a very sad day at Western Michigan University as we mourn the passing of sophomore student Bailey Broderick, who died last night after being struck by a vehicle in a neighborhood off campus. With this promising young life cut short, there are no words that can fully communicate the magnitude of loss we feel as a community. Our thoughts are with Bailey’s family, loved ones and friends. At this time, our first priority is to provide support.

Grief counselors are providing direct trauma counseling to students known to be impacted. Counseling also is available to any student through the Counseling Center at (269) 387-1850. Support is available to faculty and staff via the University’s Employee Assistance Program.  
 
The car that struck Bailey was driven by a student. According to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the 19-year-old driver was arrested at the scene, suspected of operating under the influence causing death. He is awaiting charges from the Kalamazoo County prosecutor’s office while being held in the Kalamazoo County Jail. We are withholding the driver’s name until local law enforcement is prepared to release it.  
 
Following our established protocols, Division of Student Affairs staff have immediately begun an investigation to learn more about the circumstances that led to last night’s events.  
 
We are taking the situation extremely seriously. We have lost a student and we have others whose lives will be forever changed. My commitment is that we will follow our policies and procedures, honor due process—the bedrock of fair treatment—and we will ensure accountability where it is needed.  
 
How we come together in our most difficult times is what makes us a caring community. I encourage all Broncos to commit ourselves to supporting each other as we navigate these tragic circumstances.

Edward Montgomery
President