Media statement: Death of Whitman student Rick O’Brien
On Saturday, Feb. 13, first-year Whitman College student Richard O’Brien, from Davis, Calif., died in a skiing accident at Bluewood, a local resort in Dayton, Wash., about an hour from campus. As he was skiing, Richard struck a tree alongside the run. Although he was wearing a helmet, the impact was fatal. Whitman’s President, George Bridges, and Dean of Students Chuck Cleveland notified the family, have met with the parents and have extended their assistance and support.
Whitman College is a very close community. Any loss of life is a loss to our entire community, whether or not we know the individual personally. Whitman's counseling and health center staff along with other staff and trained student peers are working with the campus population to provide support as they grieve the loss of their friend and classmate.
A gathering with the family will be held on campus Tuesday to remember Richard and to help celebrate his life. The gathering will be private and open only to the Whitman community, the family and friends of the family.
The following is a note President Bridges is sending today to all Whitman families:
Dear Whitman Parents and Families,
As some of you know, a Whitman student died in an accident while skiing on Saturday. This is a tragedy that has left all of us in pain; our students, staff and faculty are grieving Richard O'Brien's death. As a community, we will be gathering with Richard's parents and extended family and friends tomorrow to memorialize and celebrate his life.
Whitman is a very close community. Any loss of life is a loss to our entire community, whether or not we know the individual personally. As a parent and as Whitman's president, I thought you would want to be aware of this situation and to know how we are responding. And if you haven't spoken with your son or daughter recently and are inclined to check in on how they are doing, I would encourage you to call, text or write.
Our counseling staff began reaching out to students, staff and faculty shortly after the accident. They have met with or communicated with many students and working actively in the residence halls today. Counselors are also reaching out to entire classes, especially those in which Richard was a student. Further, our Welty Health Center is accepting and supporting students that seek their services; several students have taken advantage of their help. Our Coordinator of Spiritual Life, who is a member of our counseling center, met with residents (of the hall in which Richard lived yesterday afternoon to work closely with those students.
Our residence life staff, particularly the Resident Assistants (RAs) and Resident Directors (RDs), are also maintaining a strong and active presence in the residence halls and connecting with students who might need immediate help. This staff is well trained and know the students well.
If we can help you or your son or daughter in any way, feel free to contact our Dean of Students, Chuck Cleveland or me.
Most sincerely,
George Bridges