Western updates community on student death

Western Washington University sent an email message to the Western community Monday updating them on the recent death of student Charlie Hartman. The full text of the letter, from Eileen Coughlin, Western's vice president of Enrollment and Student Services, is below:

Dear members of the Western community,

As you may have seen from a previous message, Western Washington University student Charlie Hartman recently passed away. The Whatcom County Medical Examiner has ruled his off-campus death a suicide. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Our foremost priority is to provide whatever support we can to students during finals week and to ensure direct support to students affected by this news. We encourage any student impacted by this news to please contact the university for assistance. We also have reached out and provided support to Charlie Hartman’s family and friends.

It is crucially important for all of us to be there for each other. If you see a friend or associate manifesting problems, certainly speak to them if you are comfortable so doing. But, don`t stop there: alert as appropriate those professionals trained to provide help. Share what you are comfortable sharing.

Western Counseling Center staff members are available to any students seeking assistance, or referral for resources to students leaving campus for the summer. The Counseling Center is located in Old Main 540 and can be reached at 650-3164 during business hours. Counselors also can be reached after hours by calling University Police office at 650-3555.

I urge you to use these resources if you need help in any way. Western is a caring community, and we will be there for you. Please take care of yourself and each other.

Eileen Coughlin
Western Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services