Mourning the Loss of Davis Cooper ‘26

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

It is with deep sadness that we write to inform you that we have learned of the tragic death of Davis Cooper ’26.  Davis was from Pasadena, CA, and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, CA. He was a member of the Grinnell College football team.

Our profound sympathy is with his parents, Beverly and Darin Cooper and his younger brother, Elliott, his teammates and friends.

Grief can be experienced in many different ways. For some, engaging in classes and work will provide comfort and meaning; for others, it will be impossible to do so. Please take the time and space you need for yourself and with each other.

Campus partners are here for you, and students are invited to come for drop-in counseling support throughout the day at Student Health and Wellness (SHAW), the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice, and in the Laurel Leaf Lounge located on the first floor of the JRC. The national suicide prevention lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Additional support resources are listed at the end of this message.

The community is invited to gather at 4:00 PM in JRC 101 to provide a space for grief and support. As we begin to face the loss of a valued community member, please support your friends and colleagues with understanding, kindness, listening, and compassion.

With sadness,

Anne F. Harris
President 

Sarah Moschenross
Vice President of Student Affairs                                  

Resources for Students:

• Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) 641-269-3230
• Virtual Care Group
• NEED TO TALK (24hr counseling) 641-269-4404  
• Deanna Shorb, Dean of Religious Life and Chaplain (24hrs via Campus Safety) 641-269-4981 or shorb@grinnell.edu at the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice (CRSSJ -913 8th Ave)
• Dean of Students (JRC) Ben Newhouse, 641-269-3702 or newhouse@grinnell.edu 

Resources for Faculty and Staff:

• Counseling support is available through Employee and Family Resources.   
• University of Iowa Telepsychology Training Clinic (TPTC) is open to employees Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Counseling appointments can be scheduled by calling and leaving a voicemail at 319-535-0437 or email scheduling@uitptc.com.  
• Vice President for Human Resources (Mears Cottage, 1213 6th Avenue) Jana Grimes, 641-269-4818 or grimesjana@grinnell.edu