In an internal email sent to Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, staff and students on Tuesday, the college was informed about the death of Christina Chesvick, a resident in the Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Residency program at K-State.
The email was sent out by Tammy Beckham, dean and professor of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
“It is with regret that I inform the K-State CVM family of the death of radiology resident Christina Chesvick,” Beckham said in the email. “This is an extremely difficult and sad time for all us in the K-State CVM family. I am sorry to have to provide you this sad news. Please support your fellow students, faculty and staff in this time of need.”
The email said the college is offering support assistance for students affected, in addition to the university’s assistance through Counseling Services. The college is also providing faculty and staff support through their Employee Assistance Program.
“Please encourage the use of these resources to those who may need,” Beckham said.
The location, time, date and cause of death were not provided in the initial email.
“Additional information will be shared with the CVM family as it becomes available,” Beckham said. “This is a sad day for the K-State family.”
An additional email
Bonnie Rush, executive associate dean of the college, sent an email on Thursday to College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, staff and students. A memorial fund was established to honor Chesvick, where proceeds will support student wellness activities within the college. Donations can be made online using the reference fund number, “M47147.”
Rush also said people can support Chesvick through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and attached an email from them.
“Christina Chesvick … embarked on a journey to Kansas State University for a Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Residency in 2016,” the email from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention said. “Sadly she took her own life on 14 March 2017.”
As of 2:30 p.m. today, $1,650 of the $5,000 goal has been raised for “Team Chesvick.”
Rush said in the email there is also a memory board in the lobby of Trotter Hall where students, faculty and staff can share their thoughts with others and Chesvick’s family, as her family will be visiting campus next week.
