Letter to the Community: Washington College’s Tragic Loss by Mitchell Reiss

Dear Residents of Kent County:

Last Monday evening, September 9, our campus was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of a student. Aaron Taylor, a junior, was discovered in his dorm room after an apparent suicide.

This devastating tragedy impacted every member of our community, even those who did not know Aaron personally. Our staff, faculty and student leaders immediately responded to meet the needs of Aaron’s closest friends and to offer guidance to many others as they processed the loss. We will continue to offer that support as needed in the days and weeks to come.

But just as important to our healing process has been the wellspring of support from the community beyond campus. Kent County has responded generously and with love and encouragement. On behalf of Washington College, I express our deep gratitude in particular to the following professionals:

The First Responders from the Chestertown Police Department, who answered the call from our Public Safety officers and conducted their investigation in the residence hall calmly, professionally, and with sensitivity.

The members of the Eastern Shore Mobile Crisis Team, who joined our own professional counselors that night and returned to campus as needed throughout the week to meet with the students most affected by the loss.

Ida M. Dacey, a licensed social worker and mother of a WC graduate, who volunteered her expertise in suicide prevention and intervention and helped some of Aaron’s closest friends and coworkers absorb the news.

The entire faith community—whose leaders quickly expressed sympathy, concern and a willingness to help in any way—but especially the Rev. Sara Holben of the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown. With less than two hours’ notice, Rev. Holben agreed to provide words of wisdom and solace during a noontime service held on campus last Tuesday.

We continue to hold Aaron’s family in our thoughts and prayers. We know that our own collective grief will continue for some time and that, for those who knew Aaron best, the pain will never fully abate.

But at Washington College, we have been touched and heartened by the many helpers from our Kent County neighbors. We are grateful to be part of such a kind, caring and responsive community.

With gratitude and appreciation,

sssds
Mitchell B. Reiss
President
Washington College