By Ari’ Browley
On the early morning of Friday, Oct. 16, a fatal hit-and-run that occurred on Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus killed Deborah “Debbie” Smith. Smith’s connection to Grand Rapids Community College was later shared by President Rogalski on the following Monday, Oct. 19.
At the time of the accident, Smith was working as a contracted security officer at GVSU’s Allendale campus. But Smith was not only a part of the GVSU community, she also worked as a healthcare trainer at GRCC’s Medical Assistant program.
A campus-wide email sent to GVSU students the day after the hit-and-run confirmed that the suspect was a GVSU student who was later arrested and taken into custody following the accident. In the same email, Grand Valley State University President Philomena Mantella expressed her condolences to Smith’s friends and family.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victim, who was working on our campus to help keep our community safe,” Mantella’s statement read.
President Rogalski also acknowledged Smith’s passing in a campus-wide email, reflecting on her impact as an educator and member of the GRCC community.
“This is heartbreaking news for our college community, particularly for the students and colleagues who knew and worked alongside Debbie,” Rogalski’s statement read. “As an educator, she was part of our shared commitment to helping students prepare for meaningful careers and make a difference in the lives of others.”
“On behalf of GRCC, I extend my deepest condolences to Debbie’s family, friends, students, and colleagues. Our hearts are also with the Grand Valley State University community as they navigate this tragedy.”
Rogalski’s statement further provided mental health resources for both faculty, staff and students, which are available through the Counseling and Well-Being Center and GRCC’s Employee Assistance program.
“As we mourn Debbie’s passing, I hope we can come together as a college community to support those who are grieving and remember the difference she made in the lives of her students and those around her.”
As the investigation remains ongoing, additional information has not yet been released by the Grand Valley Police Department. If you have further information about the hit-and-run case, you are encouraged to contact GVPD at 616-331-3255.
