Wittenberg Community,
Many of us learned late last night that 20-year-old Pierre Damas Bel passed away Monday morning in a tragic incident on Interstate 70. Pierre loved soccer and was recruited by our men's soccer team, and considered playing here; it appears he had just begun his college journey at Wright State. Regardless of his collegiate affiliation, Pierre was a member of our Springfield community, and his death is a loss for all.
We grieve with Pierre's family and all those who knew and loved him. May God's grace be upon them and may light perpetual shine upon Pierre.
We also offer condolences to the men's soccer team, some of whom, including Head Coach Dwight Burgess, connected with Pierre, as well as our admission team, which worked with him during the recruitment process. The team will hold a moment of silence at its first game of the season at 5 p.m. today, and Pastor Nathan will remember Pierre and pray for his family at this afternoon's chapel time from 12 p.m.-12:20 p.m.
In these times of grief, please know that support services are always available through the Tiger Counseling Center and the new Office of Campus Ministries. Faculty and staff also have access to the Employee Assistance Plan.
Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Yours,
Christian M. M. Brady, DPhil (Oxon.)
President