Home Official News Releases President David Maxwell’s statements on the death of senior Ryan Henderson

President David Maxwell’s statements on the death of senior Ryan Henderson

Drake University senior Ryan Henderson, of Lenexa, Kan., passed away in the early morning Sunday, Sept. 5.

President David Maxwell released the following statement at noon on Sept. 5:

“It is my painfully sad duty to inform you that at approximately 6:30 a.m. today Ryan T. Henderson, a senior from Lenexa, Kan., was found deceased at an off-campus location.

On
behalf of all of us at Drake, I want to express our deepest sympathies
to Ryan’s family, friends and the Drake Family as a whole, and offer all
possible support as we absorb this tragedy. It is at times like these
that we must be able to rely on one another for solace and comfort; if
there is anything at all that Maddy and I can do to be of help, please
do not hesitate to let us know.

Drake University is cooperating
with the Des Moines Police Department in their investigation of the
death, and we are told by the authorities that at this point there are
no signs of foul play or any threat to the campus community.

Student Life staff members are
prepared to provide all necessary support to students and connect them
to available resources for counseling services.”



Maxwell released the following statement at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8:

“Drake University senior Ryan T. Henderson, who passed away last weekend,
will be remembered at a prayer vigil starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, in the ballroom of Morehouse Residence Hall.

The vigil, organized by Drake’s Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, will be a brief and simple reflection and prayer service.

Students have created a Facebook page as a memorial where friends and family may share remembrances and photos of Ryan at http://ow.ly/2B8Gn

A memorial service for Ryan, who was a resident of Lenexa, Kan., is set for 2 p.m. Saturday,
Sept. 11, at St. Michael and All Angels Episocopal Church, 6630 Nall
Avenue, Mission, KS. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at
the church.

For those planning to attend the service in Kansas,
please note that the location has changed;  it was initially scheduled
to be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Overland Park,
KS.”