Lana Oconnell
In February 2019, 19-year-old sophomore Hayley Smith died after falling and sustaining a head injury near the Drumheller Fountain at the University of Washington. Smith's death was ruled as a result of a pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in her lung. In October 2024, two students were found dead on campus at Western Washington University within less than 24 hours. In the same month, a doctor named Will West died by suicide while in his third year of residency at George Washington University.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Hayley Smith |
| Age | 19 |
| Student Year | Sophomore |
| Cause of Death | Pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the lung) |
| Date of Death | Wednesday, 2019-02-06 |
| Time of Death | 10:30 a.m. |
| Location of Incident | University of Washington campus, near the Drumheller Fountain |
| Police Response Time | 10:31 a.m. |
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What You'll Learn
Hayley Smith, 19, died of a blood clot in her lung
Hayley Smith, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Washington, died after falling on campus. The fall was caused by a pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in her lung, according to the King County Medical Examiner's Office. Smith suffered a head injury after falling on a sidewalk near the Drumheller Fountain and was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where she later died. University officials had closed the campus on Monday and Tuesday due to a snowstorm, and the area where Smith fell had both icy and dry patches.
While the exact cause of Smith's fall was not initially clear, with some speculating that she slipped on ice, the University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) determined that she did not slip and that the sidewalk had been treated with sand and salt before classes resumed on Wednesday. The University of Washington President, Ana Mari Cauce, expressed grief over the tragedy and assured that student safety is their top priority. She also emphasized that the cause of death does not diminish the loss felt by the campus community or their commitment to campus safety, especially with more snow expected in the coming days.
Pulmonary embolism usually occurs when a blood clot, often in the leg, travels to the lungs and blocks a blood vessel. If the clot is large enough, it can cut off blood flow to the lungs, resulting in a fatal outcome. This unfortunate event highlights the importance of campus safety, particularly during inclement weather conditions, and the need for continued communication and safety measures to protect the well-being of students.
Hayley Smith's passing serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected nature of certain medical emergencies. The University of Washington community, including fellow students, faculty, and administrators, undoubtedly experienced profound sorrow and reflected on the value of each life within their close-knit academic family. The impact of Smith's death extended beyond her immediate circle of friends and acquaintances, as it prompted conversations about campus safety and the implementation of preventive measures to ensure the well-being of the student body during challenging weather conditions.
As the University of Washington grappled with the loss of one of its own, it underscored the importance of support systems, both within the academic community and beyond. It is in these challenging times that the strength and resilience of the university are tested, and it becomes imperative to provide comfort, compassion, and assistance to those affected by the tragedy. The university's response also highlighted the necessity of adapting to changing circumstances, such as addressing snow safety and communication with students, to foster an environment that prioritizes the well-being and security of its members.
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Smith fell on campus, but not due to ice
In 2019, 19-year-old University of Washington student Hayley Smith died after falling on campus. Smith suffered a head injury when she fell on a sidewalk near the Drumheller Fountain. She was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where she later died.
While icy conditions on campus had caused some to speculate that Smith's fall was the result of hazardous campus conditions, a university police investigation found that this was not the case. UW Police Maj. Steve Rittereiser stated, "She did not slip as was first reported." Smith's boyfriend, Cliff Peng, who witnessed the fall, recalled, "She told me to 'wait a moment,' to catch a breath and stepped off to the side to move [out] of the way for others, and the next thing I knew, she was on the ground, broken glasses and blood all over."
The King County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Smith's death was the result of natural causes—specifically, a pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in her lung. University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce acknowledged that while the cause of death did not change the loss felt on campus, it would continue to prioritize student and community safety, particularly in hazardous weather conditions.
Despite the determination that the conditions on the pathway were not a factor in Smith's death, the University faced criticism for the state of its campus. In anticipation of another snowfall, the University said it would suspend operations and take additional measures to prepare for the storm, including pre-treating walkways with sand and salt.
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University of Washington's response to snow safety
In February 2019, 19-year-old University of Washington student Hayley Smith died on campus after suffering a pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in her lung. Smith suffered a head injury after falling on a sidewalk near the Drumheller Fountain. The cause of her death was ruled as natural causes by the King County Medical Examiner's Office.
University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce acknowledged the tragedy and affirmed the university's commitment to student safety: "Student safety is our number one priority, and UWPD is investigating the exact cause of the accident." Cauce also highlighted the need for improved snow safety communication with students, particularly those from out of state.
The University of Washington has outlined its response to snow safety and winter weather conditions. The university prioritizes the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors to campus. Campus leadership assesses conditions and makes timely decisions about suspending, modifying, or delaying operations. UW's campuses in Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma each have their own inclement weather plans, which guide senior leadership in decision-making. These plans include assessing current and forecast weather conditions, soliciting input from key campus stakeholders, and notifying the campus community of any changes.
In anticipation of heavy snow or inclement weather, departments are advised to refer to their business interruption and continuity plans and coordinate with supervisors. The UW Center for Teaching & Learning offers recommendations for teaching during campus disruptions. The university also provides a SafeTrip service, offering students and employees safe rides home within a designated service area.
During periods of snow, ice, and winter weather, UW Emergency Management provides resources and guidelines. The university encourages individuals to prepare for power outages, stay safe during winter travel, and follow tips for keeping their homes warm. Bus route winter snow guides and rider alerts from King County Metro are also available to help individuals navigate transportation options.
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Two students died at Western Washington University
Two students were found dead on the campus of Western Washington University within less than 24 hours of each other. The first student died from an apparent fall from a residence hall on Wednesday night, according to a press release from the school. The names of the students have not been released, and the university has stated that it will not share additional information about the deaths without permission from the families.
The university's president, Sabah Randhawa, expressed shock and sadness at the tragic events and offered condolences to the students' loved ones. The university is providing support and counseling for its students and community members. While no foul play is suspected, the university is awaiting the conclusions of law enforcement and medical examiner investigations.
This incident at Western Washington University is reminiscent of a similar tragedy at the University of Washington in 2019. 19-year-old sophomore Hayley Smith died on campus after falling and sustaining a head injury. Smith's death was ruled as a result of a pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in her lung.
The University of Washington faced some scrutiny for its handling of campus safety, particularly in light of the snowy and icy conditions that contributed to Smith's fall. University President Ana Mari Cauce assured the public that student safety was their number one priority and that the university would increase its focus on campus safety.
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Will West, a doctor at George Washington University, died by suicide
In 2024, Will West, a 33-year-old doctor in his third year of ophthalmology surgical training at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, died by suicide. Will's death has brought to light the mental health crisis among doctors and the barriers that keep them from seeking help. In a suicide note, Will wrote that other residents are "at real risk".
Will's brother, David West, shared that during their phone calls, Will talked about how his problems felt too big to solve. He felt he was not getting the training he needed to practice medicine and did not have enough time to sleep or recharge after long shifts. David considered asking someone to check on Will, but during their next two phone calls, Will seemed lighter and eased his concerns. Days later, Will died by suicide.
While George Washington University administrators declined to answer specific questions about Will's death, they provided a general statement emphasizing the importance of student, faculty, and staff safety, acknowledging that residency can be challenging, and highlighting the mental health resources available to residents.
Will's death is not an isolated incident, as it follows the suicide of Lorna Breen, an emergency department physician in New York City, in 2020. Breen's family shared that she was shaken by the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left her unable to function as she once had. Her death amplified the mental health crisis among doctors, and the stigma associated with seeking help.
The deaths of Will West and Lorna Breen serve as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and breaking down barriers that prevent individuals, especially in high-pressure professions, from seeking the support they need.
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Frequently asked questions
Hayley Smith, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Washington, died on campus in 2019.
Smith died of a pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in her lung. She suffered a head injury after falling on a sidewalk.
University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce expressed grief and assured that student safety is their number one priority. The university also planned to improve communication about snow safety with students, particularly those from out of state.
