‘Their job now is just be kids’: Ethan Chapin’s mom pens moving note as siblings return to university
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MOSCOW, IDAHO: As security is being beefed up at University of Idaho following four students' murders, victim Ethan Chapin's mother has penned a heartbreaking note saying her two other children are set to return to college. Ethan, from Conway, Washington, was a triplet born right before his sister and brother. His siblings, Maizie and Hunter, are now set to return to the university.
University of Idaho President Scott Green has now said the campus and nearby neighborhoods will continue to witness additional security, according to The Seattle Times. The University's spokesperson Jodi Walker has asked the staff to accommodate both in-person students and those at home. Most of the class offerings for the spring semester are in person.
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Taking to Facebook, Ethan's mom Stacy Wells Chapin wrote, "We’ve spent the last eight weeks, besides the obvious, focused on Maizie and Hunter. Cards, talks, walks, hikes, tears, you name it. Yesterday, we successfully dropped them off back at the University of Idaho. Hunter was very glad to be back at the fraternity and Maizie was warming up to the idea but it was so good to hear all of the girls squeal with delight upon seeing her. It did this momma’s heart good to hear it!! The support from the University of Idaho and the MPD/ISP has been profound. Maizie and Hunter are rockstars and we couldn’t be more proud of them. Their job now is just be kids. Start where they left off. Keep goals and aspirations in mind."
"For an update, anything we/Ethan had is now frozen with the defense. For us, it involves two vehicles, E’s belonging and a nice set of golf clubs. We’ve met with prosecutors, handled media inquiries (hopefully respectfully), managed, grieved, talked and continue to try and process our new normal. However, nothing has changed. We spend no time being angry. That would be energy not well spent and it still wouldn’t change the outcome. We have to look ahead," Stacy added. "What we’ve confirmed…Ethan is who he was because of our family. His foundation was unwavering. He was so loved he didn’t know any different. He was profoundly supported and our family of five was different than others and so very special. He loved unconditionally, he was loyal to all, he was inclusive, carefree, happy, just the best person you could ever meet. The stories are endless and amazing. He touched lives we had no idea existed. Ethan was incredible."
Ethan was among four students who were slaughtered by suspect Bryan Kohberger. Kohberger, 28, has been accused of fatally stabbing Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan, 20, in their off-campus three-story rented home on November 13, 2022. After a massive manhunt, he was arrested in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, on December 30.
"We did a great job. We will still do a great job. And as always, we are eternally grateful to so many of you. We can’t possibly reply to all your notes but we read them all, and your kindness and support means the world to us," Stacy continued, concluding with a quote that said, "And I shall allow the memories to prod me into doing better with all those still living."
Social media user commented on the touching post, with one of them saying, "I would love to hear more about your triplets. Let us hear more of Ethan’s name then the man responsible for taking him." Another user said, "I'm in awe of the family who has known such pain and sadness that can still look up and say thank you. You are an inspiration. X". "I am positive there are no words to make it better but hopefully time can make the tragedy more distant," said a user.
"My mama heart breaks for your family and all the families involved in this senseless tragedy. I am happy to see that Hunter and Maizie return to school. I know they need some normalcy back in their life. I praying for your family. Sending lots of love, hugs & prayers!" one user wrote, while another said, "My heart goes out to your family! I’m heart broken and I never even met y’all. From what I’ve seen and heard, Ethan reminds me so much of my son. Such a warm hearted, good natured sweet boy. Hugs to you! We are keeping y’all in our prayers always! And I can’t wait to buy some of Ethan’s Smile Tulips when they are ready." One wrote, "My heart goes out to your family! You all have shown tremendous strength throughout all of this… Ethan is watching over all of you now and he was blessed to have such a wonderful family. Sending love, hugs, and prayers from Illinois!"
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