We are saddened to report that Hope College student Riley Gortsema of Grandville, Mich. was killed in a vehicle-pedestrian accident in Holland, Mich. early Saturday, May 25.
The Ottawa County Sheriff Department is investigating the accident which occurred on US 31 and Chicago Drive in Holland Township at approximately 2 a.m. Deputies report a bus struck a pedestrian who was in the roadway.
Riley had been living on-campus while taking a May Term class.
Staff from Residential Life, Counseling and Psychological Services and Campus Ministries continue to offer their support to students.
Please offer a prayer for Riley's family, her fellow students and many other friends as they deal with this tragedy.
Funeral arrangements have been announced. A memorial service will be held Wednesday (May 29) at 1 p.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel on the Hope campus with Chaplain Paul Boersma officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday (May 28) at the Matthyswse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, from 5-9 p.m.
Obituary in Grand Rapids Press
SERIES OF GRAND RAPIDS PRESS/MLIVE ARTICLES
Friends Reflect on Life of Riley Gortsema
Band members on bus react to tragic accident
Read 2011 Grand Rapids Press/Mlive Article About Riley Gortsema
Read 2012 Grand Rapids Press/MLive Article About Riley Gortsema