OSU mourns loss of members of the university community

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Oklahoma State University is mourning the loss of those who died in Saturday’s Homecoming parade tragedy, including three members of the OSU family.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of these wonderful individuals,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “Marvin and Bonnie Stone were dedicated OSU employees who will be missed by their many OSU friends. Nicolette Strauch is an OSU student-employee devastated by the loss of her two-year-old son Nash.  

“We offer our condolences to the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma and to OSU’s students from India on the loss of UCO student Nikita Prabhakar. We also send our thoughts and prayers to all those who are recovering from this incomprehensible tragedy, including a number of OSU students and employees,” Hargis said.

Dr. Marvin Stone was a Regents Professor who retired in 2006 following 24 years of exemplary service as a professor and researcher in the Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering. He remained engaged in research as an Emeritus professor and was honored for his innovations at a U.S. Congressional reception in D.C. earlier this year.

Marvin’s wife Bonnie had more than 33 years of service with Oklahoma State University. She was an unselfish and dedicated employee in Institutional Research and Information Management (IRIM). She was known for leaving her office and going to a faculty member’s office to help input data.

Nicolette Strauch is recovering from injuries she suffered in the incident but her two-year-old son died. Nicolette is a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering from Weatherford, Okla. She is an employee in Parking and Transit. Parking and Transit has established a GoFundMe account in her name.

The fourth victim is Nikita Prabhakar, an MBA student from the University of Central Oklahoma. She was at the parade with friends.

OSU is discussing plans for a memorial service and will provide details as soon as possible.

The following funds have been established; if you are aware of other support funds, please notify Brittney Rochell at brittney.rochell@okstate.edu.

http://www.smc-foundation.org/  

https://www.gofundme.com/tr72vmd4

https://www.gofundme.com/6n72xwbs    

https://www.gofundme.com/fw74svwx   

OSU’s Employee Assistance Program provider, ComPsych, will have counselors on site for employees and students starting Monday, October 26, on the third floor of the OSU Student Union, in Career Services. In addition, therapy dogs from Pete’s Pet Posse will be on hand. Employees can also contact ComPsych by calling 855-850-2397.

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