09/12/2026
Following our statement yesterday, September 11, 2026, regarding the tragic loss of two Washington Adventist University (WAU) students in a motor vehicle accident near Bridgeville, Delaware, we are now able to identify our students as Jeremy Lopez and Michelle Reyes.
Jeremy was a sophomore studying voice performance and theology who shared his remarkable joy and musical gifts through WAU's ProMusica Choir and a member of a quartet. Michelle was a senior studying psychology and behavioral science and a dedicated member of our cross-country team.
Our hearts and prayers remain with the Lopez and Reyes families, their classmates, teammates, professors, friends and everyone who loved them. These young people were extremely loved and valued members of the WAU family, and their loss is being felt deeply throughout our campus community.
As a University community, our focus is on remembering Jeremy and Michelle, supporting their families and caring for one another during this extraordinarily difficult time. Counseling and pastoral support are being made available to our community as we grieve together, celebrate their enduring impact on our lives and seek God’s comfort and strength.
The accident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police, and the University will defer questions concerning the circumstances of the accident to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Information regarding opportunities for the WAU family and the wider community to gather in remembrance, tribute and prayer will be shared as details become available.
We ask our alumni, friends, partners and broader community to continue to keep the Lopez and Reyes families, their friends and the entire WAU community in prayer.