Taylor DeRosa: Suspicious death of BLM student activist, 18, found in Michigan college probed by police
The death of a teenage Black Lives Matter activist, who was found near a college athletic field in Michigan, is allegedly being considered suspicious as police are probing the incident. Taylor DeRosa, 18, was found unresponsive on the Grand Valley State University campus on Saturday, December 12, according to the Detroit Free Press.
DeRosa's identity was revealed by the Grand Valley State University officials in an email to its students on Tuesday, December 15. GVSU President Philomena Mantella, in the mail, wrote: "There is much we do not know about the cause of her death, and the investigation is ongoing. Grand Valley Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Brandon DeHaan assures us, at this time, it appears the general public and the campus community are not in danger."
The teen, a native of Royal Oak, and a freshman at the Grand Valley State University was found at the field by a runner over the weekend. Reports state that Michigan authorities have deemed DeRosa's death as "suspicious" and have launched an investigation into her death. Chief of Police DeHaan reportedly urged the college's community to "stop spreading false information" and wait for "accurate results" from investigators in the case.
A GoFundMe page was also set up for DeRosa's memorial expenses. The page remembered the teenager for "living a passionate, involved life as an advocate for gun control, Black Lives Matter, women’s rights, and a host of other organizations and movements that supported human equality, fairness and truth."
The fundraising page added: "Taylor’s smile was illuminating, and her warmth, friendliness, and humor brought joy to everyone who knew her. She was a loving daughter, granddaughter, cousin, niece and friend." DeRosa was studying international business as a major and a minor in French. The page, set up by a group of women, revealed that the donated money would be used "to help ease the burden of funeral costs and time off work. Any excess money will be donated to a fund near to Taylor’s heart," they added. The page has already raised over $63,000 as of Thursday, December 17, morning.
The teenager's mother, Cara DeRosa, shared the news of her daughter's death on social media, writing: "It is with a heavy heart and unimaginable sadness that I regret to inform you, my daughter, Taylor DeRosa, passed away on Saturday. Please continue to pray for my family and her friends during this difficult time."
United States Representative Andy Levin also shared a message noting the teen's tragic demise. Levin posted photographs of DeRosa alongside him on Facebook and wrote: "I am having a hard time accepting that Taylor DeRosa’s life has been cut so very short. Taylor was a huge splash of sunshine in an unjust world. Her commitment to change was so convincing – you knew the world would change at least a little because Taylor was present, fighting for sensible gun reform, for everyone to see and cherish Black lives, to empower women and girls."
Grand Valley State University cops have requested anyone with information on DeRosa's death to call the police department at 616-331-3255 or Silent Observer at 877-887-4536.