Student deaths cast shadow over break

By Linda Wilkins
Staff Writer

For some, the start of the new year brought grief and sadness as they returned to Baylor from the holiday break — without three of their peers.

Siloam Springs, Ark., sophomore Dustin Chamberlain was murdered during an invasion of his personal residence in his hometown. Allen sophomore Dong H. Kim and Waco senior Callie M. Tullos were killed in separate automobile accidents.

Most of the student body was alerted to the students’ deaths through Baylor NewsFlash emails.

In a separate interview, Burleson said Baylor offers support for the families and friends of the deceased throughout this time of mourning.

From informing friends of the deceased to going to the funeral services, the help that the university extends varies in each situation, Burleson said.

Burleson also said that the Baylor community has held group gatherings for friends of the deceased so they can honor the memory of their friend and help with the grieving process. The gatherings for each of the deceased occurred last week.

Baylor sophomore Nathan Holles of Sheldon, Iowa, who attended Chamberlain’s memorial service, said, “It was really profound how his roommates can stand in unity and confidence in Dustin’s salvation in Jesus Christ.” Holles said the memorial service was an amazing way remember the students.

He knew Chamberlain from Baylor Line Camp over the summer before their freshman year.