PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University is mourning the loss of three WSU students, who died in a local car accident Monday night.
According to the Washington State Patrol, those killed were two men, Brandon S. Clements of Wapato and Ryan G. Sorensen of Westport, and a woman, Stacy Morrow of Milton. They were originally listed with Pullman as their hometowns.
Clements, 22, was a fourth-year student in chemical engineering. Sorensen, 21, was a fourth-year criminal justice student. Morrow, 21, was a fourth-year student in biology.
Five other WSU students were injured in the four-car accident on state highway 270, commonly known as the Moscow-Pullman Highway. They include one woman, Kara M. Eichelsdoerfer, 21, Aberdeen, and four men, Eric Haynes, 24, Spokane; Frederick D. Russell, 22, Pullman; John M. Wagner, 21, Harrington; and Sameer Ranade, 20, of Kennewick.
WSU President V. Lane Rawlins expressed the feelings of university students, faculty and staff. “Few things are more tragic than young lives lost in their prime,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of our students, and the others affected by this terrible tragedy.”
Members of the WSU Counseling Center staff have been helping the students and families involved in the accident. Counseling staff are also available for any member of the university community needing assistance dealing with the tragedy.
Rawlins has directed that flags be flown at half-staff this week on campus. In addition, WSU’s Bryan Hall carillon tolled at 5 p.m. today and will toll again at noon on Wednesday, June 6, for the accident victims.
Rawlins said student affairs staff and WSU student body leaders are planning a memorial service next week in the students’ honor.
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