Lauren McCluskey

CONDOLENCES

On October 22, the University of Utah lost one of our own. Lauren McCluskey, an accomplished student-athlete from Pullman, Washington, was killed on campus. She was a senior, majoring in communication, with plans to graduate next May. Lauren was highly regarded as a member of the university’s track and field team, specializing in the high jump. Her parents say she loved to sing and has always had a great deal of strength and determination.

As we come together as U alumni, students, staff, and community to mourn Lauren’s passing, we invite you to share your memories in the comments below or leave your condolences for family, friends, teammates, students, and all those grieving this loss.

 Scholarship in honor of Lauren.

338 thoughts on “Lauren McCluskey”

    • How very sad. I hope her parents, family, and friends can find peace during this terribly difficult time. At least Lauren is now safe and sound where no one can ever hurt her again.

      I hope the students at the U can feel safe in their environment again. I was at the U from 2000-2006 and always felt safe. Don’t let this senseless crime rob you of your sense of security.

    • My sincere condolences to the family and the entire University of Utah community for the loss of such bright young lady. We wish the family Strength and fortitude as the cope with loss of their daughter.

      Dr. Julius Alade
      U of U Alumni

    • The morning after Lauren’s death I saw the most beautiful rainbow ever over the mountains. I’d like to think that it was her telling us that she is ok and at peace. I am so sorry for your loss.

    • So sorry for your loss of this beautiful girl. As a former athlete and member of the varsity club, my deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends! Athletes stick together at the U and have a special bond. May you always cherish memories of her special talent here and know you are in all of our prayers❤️

      • This has brought a man in Nashville, Tennessee to tears reading about a special girl being taken away for no good reason. My wife and I will pray for the family of Lauren. God Bless You… Be strong for such a strong woman!

    • To the grieving family, friends, and the entire University of Utah students, faculty and Alumni. I want to express my very deepest and heartfelt sympathies and prayers. I did not know her and only heard of this tragic news while reading the news online. This young woman who was so young and full of promise was literally hunted down like prey. She fought for her life and safety but she was to no avail in the clutches of some really evil dark forces. He was a coward and in the end killed himself!!

      Praying In The Name of Jesus that she may be ushered into Heaven and that one day her beloved family and friends may see her again.

      Rest on Dearest Lauren, and if you can, please continue to show your family and friends rainbows and gentle breezes to comfort them.

      Lord Jesus please wrap your loving arms around those who are deeply grieving at this moment. Let them know Lord God that you are with them and that You Lord.God will take care of everything. No evil deed goes unpunished, In Jesus Name, Amen & Amen.

      • Amen!! They can sugar coat it and spin it all they want but this guy was a sexual predator on parole.
        Heads should roll. What happened to protect and serve.
        My heart mourns for this family. What a tragic loss of a beautiful girl.

  • My heart aches for Lauren’s friends and family. As a father of three daughters I can barely imagine how difficult this must be for you. I am also an alumni of the U and it’s painful to think that something like this would happen there. The McCluskey family is in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.

    • I did not know her, but I am so deeply sorry for your loss. No parent should have to go through what you’re going through. She seemed like a wonderful woman, the world has lost an angel.

  • My deepest condolences and sympathy for Lauren’s family and friends. I did not know Lauren, but it is clear that a wonderful woman has been taken from this world much too soon, a loss that we all mourn.

  • I am saddened by the loss of Lauren. She was such a bright young girl with so much possibility. I cannot imagine losing a child. My family sends our condolences to her family at this time of grief and we pray that we may all lift each other up in a world that sometimes seems so dark. “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” ~ Numbers 6:24-26 Amen.

  • I cannot express the sorrow I feel for Lauren’s family. It is parent’s worse nightmare to lose a child. I hope that the wonderful memories of Lauren will sustain you during this horrible devastating time. The University has lost a wonderful human being!

  • My heartfelt and deepest condolences to Lauren’s family, friends and teammates. Her loss is heartbreaking to all the Utah family.
    May her life and achievements always be remembered, and my your pain be lifted and gain peace and solace through our wishes, prayers.

    • David Cooper, I couldn’t use better words than those you’ve shared during this time of heartfelt loss.

      This “shooter” and “sex affender” can’t hurt HER or anyone anymore. I’m sad this beautiful young lady lost her life, just days after learning the criminal mind of the man “she was dating.” She was smart and was getting her safety net in place.

      😢She could have suffered a far worse, and torturous death.
      🦋Heaven has a new Angel. We send thoughts and prayers of love to her Family and Friends.
      ❣️Our own daughter was attending the U of U last year, at the time of that shooting took place, it too innocently took another students life. At that time, as parents, we were in humble prayer, as we watched the news, believing our daughter was in her Night class, in “Lock Down.” We later learned she was safe at home, her phone receiving the police updates. She knew the Victim, he was in one of her classes.
      For us, we pray this 2nd killing doesn’t cause PTSD for hundreds of Students and Alumni. We are grateful for the Staff and Social Worker Teams, and Cainine’s, their tireless efforts to bring closure and comfort. There are MANY great people all around us.
      ❤️Huge hugs to all.
      🙏🏼God bless us all.

      • Jackie O, I don’t understand comment about a more torturous death. I think being shot in the head for no reason is torturous enough. This beautiful angel was taken way too soon. She could have accomplished so much if her story hadn’t ended so soon. Rest In Peace. To the family and friends she left behind, I hope you can find some solace in the fact that in short time she was with us, she accomplished much and left behind a great legacy to be admired.

  • Lauren’s family, friends, teammates and peers-

    Although our paths did not cross while I attended the U, the Utah athletics family bond stays true. I cannot even imagine what you all are going through at this time, and especially losing a teammate in any way…it is hard to make sense of what has happened, and I want you all to know that Utah athletes present and past stand with you in support during this tough time….my deep, heart-felt condolences to you all from a Utah Soccer alum

  • I cannot imagine the hurt Lauren’s family and friends are feeling right now. There are no words that I can say to lessen the pain or fill the void that is now in your hearts, but I will pray for you. Sending all my love and light in hopes of lifting your spirits if only for a moment.

  • A young life cut short, such a tragedy! My deepest condolences to her family and friends. May you find the strength and support you need from our community ♥️

  • This is the core of tragedy.
    Lauren did all of the right things after facing betrayal.
    Rest in UTMOST peace beautiful angel!
    Deep condolences to all who knew her <3

  • I did not know Lauren, but that small fact does not make this loss any less significant. This is tragic news, and I feel deeply sadden for her family and friends she has left behind.

  • Lauren’s teammates, university of utah, her friends and family:
    My love and prayers are going out to u all. Lauren was a wonderful person and kind to all.

  • As an older Alumni I am saddened that such a grievous crime has been committed on the campus and on such a beautiful and talented young lady. Condolences to the family and especially to her parents as they listened to her last words. Heart break for sure!

  • As a member of this community, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Lauren’s family and friends. May they find comfort in the light and grace of Lauren’s life–a life full of abundant purpose and meaning, and may we all honor her bright spirit by leading out with kindness and goodness.

  • So sorry for your loss. It’s inexplicable what happened to her; so very sorry. I can’t imagine what the family is going through, but our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • To the McCluskey family I send my deepest sympathies. Lauren is a beautiful young woman and as I member of her University of Utah family, I grieve with you. From our family to yours, may you somehow find peace in this tragedy.

    • I am part of Lauren’s U family
      Hope that I can express what and how I feel
      I pondered on what to say
      The words came to me ‘celebrate life as she would”
      Believe in our selves as she did
      For the first time in 10 years I got up and took a deep breath and ”walked ”
      Her inspiration to go do what you love and live life to the fullest
      In honor of Lauren’s life and her legacy ‘I Walked’
      First time in 10 years
      Her strength endurance to do this
      To dance and sing play in the rain to hug and love all thoughs around you
      Never know what tomorrow will bring…
      We love you Lauren
      All her family friends and the community
      ‘Celebrate her life and live it to the fullest’
      Lauren earned her angel wings
      She not far from any of us
      United as One

  • Please know of our sincere condolences to the family and friends. This is a tragic loss. Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with you. I know I speak for others who serve on the Utah Board of Regents. Let us all do what we can to prevent tragedies such as this. Sincerely, Pat Jones, member Utah Board of Regents

  • Lauren’s family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. I am an alumni of the U and am shocked and deeply saddened that something this terrible would happen there. As a mother, I can not imagine the pain you are feeling, and though I didn’t know Lauren I grieve for your loss. I hope you will feel peace.

  • It is tragic to have lost someone in such a violent ordeal. My condolences to friends, family and everyone who knew Lauren. I never met her or knew her, but this incident really saddens me. It is unfair that someone should lose their life in such a tragic way. Rest in peace, Lauren

  • She went to my church and was so sweet and loving to everyone she met and talked to. I didn’t know her for long but she was very loved and will be missed greatly!

  • Lauren’s family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. I am an alumni of the U and am shocked and saddened that something this senseless would happen in a place I have always considered peaceful and safe. My deepest sympathy to her parents and friends, bless her soul.

  • The Alpha Chi Chapter Of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Incorporated would like to send our condolences and hearts out to Lauren McCluskey’s family and friends as well as the community on our University.

  • I did not know Lauren, but from what I have heard she was a driven student athlete with a bright future ahead of her. Despite this tragedy, her life will be remembered for the positive impact she had on her friends and family. Rest In Peace.

  • I first met Lauren on her 21st birthday earlier this year. She was such a sweet, pleasant and cheerful person, and I felt so honored to be invited to her birthday celebration. I was so impressed and inspired by the way she sang karaoke that night. The courage she had was admirable and I could see that she had a big passion for music.

    I am extremely devastated by the terrible event that occurred last night and still cannot believe that she is gone. My deepest condolences go to Lauren’s family and friends. I cannot imagine the magnitude of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time. May her soul Rest In Peace…

  • I send condolences for her family and friends and the loss of one precious life. I did not know Lauren, but what is more important is everyone lost their daughter, sister, friend colleague , and a person they could have met all of the sudden. I am very sorry that I can only leave this comment for those of you who are in their deepest sorrows, but I feel you, I grieve with you and I will share the tremendous amount of sadness with you all. Rest In Peace, Lauren.

  • We are so saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful, talented daughter Lauren. My husband Tom & I lost our son, Matt on August 13, 2018,, to an accident as he was fighting a fire in California. Even though the circumstances are different, we understand the grief of losing a child. We have felt the love & support of others, many complete strangers, has helped us tremendously move through our grief over losing our Matt & hope that same love & support helps you too… Sincerely, Tom & Rose Burchett & Family

  • To the Parents of Lauren,

    I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. It is a senseless thing and an absolute tragedy. I cannot imagine the depth of your pain. I know that it will not soon be lifted, but I, along with so many here on our campus, am sending you love and light and peace. I know that will be hard to come by in the coming days, but I hope you feel lifted by all the people who are lifting you up right now.

    Peace

  • My condolences to the Lauren McCluskey family, friends, teammates, those who knew her, and part of her inner circle, to the University family. May you Rest In Peace and may all those who knew and love her be comforted and find peace.

  • May her soul rest in peace, and our deepest sympathy to her parents and friends. Things will get better. Hope such horrible things will never happen again!!

  • I didn’t know Lauren. But like others, I am shocked by the magnitude of the tragedy. I cannot imagine what Lauren’s parents are going through. I hope they can find some comfort in the fact that their brilliant and beautiful daughter was loved and respected by so many. She obviously was an accomplished athlete and a top student with great moral values. As part of the U community and a parent of a U student, I extend my deep condolences towards Lauren’s parents, family and everyone who knew her.

  • My name is Alanna and I am a former Utah track and field athlete (’13). My heart is broken for her family who must have been so proud of her for being such a talented and intelligent soul. From the bottom of my heart I wish for the family to have strength and to one day find peace. Know that all of us alumni and former athletes send our love.

  • One of the kindest Student-Athletes that I ever had the privilege of working with. Prayers going out to the McCluskey family and the entire Utah Athletics family.

  • I did not know Lauren, but her loss has been deeply felt by the University community. My heart goes out to her family, friends, classmates, and professors. Our community will remember her as the beautiful and talented woman she was.

  • Lauren was such a sweet girl. I met her in public speaking. She asked for my number and no matter how many times I declined invites due to being tired or busy she kept inviting me to things. I think she knew I was just really shy and awkward and so she didn’t want to give up on being my friend. She was super thoughtful that way.

    I can’t believe this happened. She was always so happy and excited and nice to people and just loved everyone. Any time we’d go out she’d make friends with everybody. She was brave and would get up and sing and tried comedy and all sorts of things. Such a fun loving person.

    Best wishes and condolences to her family. I cannot even imagine. Your daughter helped me be confident in so many ways that I’m sure she never even knew. I am lucky to have gotten a chance to know her.

  • I didn’t know Lauren either, but she has been on my mind all day. I feel sick and so heartbroken for her family, and I hope that they can get some comfort knowing that there are many people here in Utah who are thinking about them and their beautiful daughter. This is a very sad situation and I am very sorry.

  • So many of us share a heavy heart today, tragedies always bring a union in spirit. Many of us do not know what to do or what to say, but we do feel for your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  • Gut wrenching. May Lauren’s life and tragic death bring about positive change that prevents this pain and anguish in the future for other families.

  • I did not personally know ur beautiful child , but felt so very sad and hurt for Lauren’s entire family and friend circle. She was beautiful, talented and a bright young lady with a huge bright future and was taken before she was fully done blooming into the stunning flower she was meant to be. My deepest and heartfelt thoughts are with you all. May her memories and smiles and accomplishments remind u of her presence and bring you comfort in the days to come. I pray for your family strength and love of Lauren to get you through these horrible times. My family extends are warm and sincere hugs and tears for your hearts to find healing power in her memories.

  • Dear Lauren,
    I am sorry you left this world so soon. May your soul rest in peace. I did not know you but I see you are a wonderful person. It was an awful night and now we all mourn with your family. I hope you hear us and you are in a better world now. We all love you.

  • My deepest heartfelt condolences to the McCLuskey Family. I spoke to my daughter yesterday too as she was walking home from campus at Utah State. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending much love and healing to all of you.

  • When I got the text of an incidence on campus, I said a prayer. My condolences to the family and friends of Lauren. This is such a tragedy and I am at a loss. I realize that this message is little comfort, but I wanted you to know that so many of us can only express ourselves through this message board. We deeply care about you and mourn your loss.

  • My sincerest condolences to Lauren’s family and friends. No words will take the pain away I know, though I hope the thoughts, kind words and prayers on Lauren’s behalf and that of her family and friends from all of us will help make this time a bit more bearable.

  • I am a University of Utah alumnus and now work as a member of the School of Medicine staff. This is a beautiful campus and it has been my “home” for many decades. No violence or loss of life should ever happen in my home! My heart is hurting so much today at the news of Lauren’s senseless death. It feels very personal to me. I am so heartbroken. I’m grieving with and for those who are grieving the loss of Lauren today. My heart is with you. My prayers are with you. May God bless you.

  • I did not know Lauren, but I have felt completely heartbroken since being informed of this tragedy. For her family, I know that this is beyond devastating. I can’t imagine what they must be going through. The shock of losing a loved one so suddenly and unexpectedly is pain beyond what anyone should have to experience.

    All day, my thoughts have been with her family, and I continue to think of them and pray for them in this desperate, painful time. I hope that when they have the strength to read these comments, they will bring peace and hope. The world will not be the same without her, but we can carry on her legacy by emulating her example as an outstanding, loving, and inclusive human.
    I believe that Lauren is in a place now where she will never experience harm or fear again, and that her family will be with her again one day.

    My deepest love and condolences. <3

  • I am so sorry for how things happened for this young lady. I can only imagine how hard this situation has been for her parents, siblings, family and friends. Our kids shouldn’t pass away before us. I just pray the family can find comfort in this hard moment. I never met her, but as a mother I was in shock and my office is so close to where it happened that I could feel in my office the sadness. May God give you peace.

  • As a U of U alum, I send my deepest condolences to Lauren’s family, friends, and teammates for this immeasurable loss. I wish you all healing and peace. May her memory be eternal.

  • My heart hurts for Lauren’s family. I couldn’t imagine being on the phone while something so terrible is happening to my child. Sending you prayers and strength through this unbelievable time. Also sending prayers to all of her friends and any witnesses to this crime. Celebrate her life and all of her accomplishments. She will not be forgotten.

  • I partnered with Lauren a couple of times on discussions in class this semester. She was so kind, respectful and contributed so much, enough so to leave a lasting impact. She was so humble about her involvement in track and field she never brought it up until I did to her. She will be missed dearly in our classroom and my thoughts and prayers are with her family.

  • I offer my deepest sympathies to every one of Lauren’s beloved family members, especially to her loving mother, Jill, and to all of her genuine friends. I pray for you each of you that you will find solace, and strength in one another. I wish for you, Lauren’s family, the abiding stength through turning resolutely to your spiritual path and religious teachings to guide each of you through this very horrific and sad time in your lives.

    I can safely assume that Lauren was so much more inspiring by her personality, work ethic, and her successes in life than I or most that didn’t have the pleasure of having met her will ever learn to know! I wish that her life, her impact on her family, friends and on both her athletic as well as her university community will inspire many in the future to follow through with confidence in making their dreams into reachable goals that they then will successfully accomplish as planned.

    I pray that the Mccluskey’s and Lauren’s extended family will be provided the answers they so urgently seek and are owed about this tragic set of related events that ultimately led to Lauren’s murder. May those truths lead to proper changes in our communities that directly provide solutions do adress the needs to keep women, girls, men and boys safe from insane violent individuals and the ability of such sick people to inflict life threatening harm on another human beings or onto animals! Rest in power and within a peaceful state of calm and acceptance, Lauren.

    Michael,
    From Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

  • Such a senseless tragedy…….so sorry for the tremendous loss! Condolences and love sent to Lauren’s family and friends. May God bless you and give comfort and peace. The U family grieves with you……….

  • I met Lauren when she accidentally got the time for her dorm meeting mixed up and came to mine. We laughed about having the same name and exchanged numbers. She was so open and friendly, she and I use to eat dinner together several times last year. We would hide in the back of the HC and laugh about boys and classes. We hadn’t spoken in a good while, but I am still in shock. Nothing I can possibly say will make this any easier for anyone. She was a really bright light in this world that deserved so much better.

  • My condolences to her family and loved ones. I did not know Lauren but everyone I know is mourning her passing. Such a tragedy that an amazing, talented young woman was taken away by such cowardly acts. Rest In Peace 👼🏼💗

  • Cougar Nation has nothing but sadness for you and your loss. What a sad, heartbreaking ordeal to go through. You are in our prayers and our thoughts. No one should have to go through what Lauren went through, no one. RIP Lauren, RIP.

  • To the family of Lauren McCluskey:
    My heartfelt condolences go out to you. Your daughter was beautiful in life and now shines beautifully in heaven . I wish her peace and to you solace from so many whose lives she touched. May her life mean something vital with respect to preventing future loss from intimate partner violence.

  • May God bless and the angels surround your family during this tragic time. Words are just not enough to express the sorrow so many are feeling. I did not know your lovely daughter but I wish I had…The world seems a bit more dim with the loss of her glowing light. Life is so precious, and if anything, we should all live our lives to the fullest, just as your sweet Lauren did. Again, God bless…

  • I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Lauren in this senseless act of violence. She has been in my thoughts all day. What an accomplished woman and a painful loss to our community! I send my love to her family and all who knew her. Lauren will not be forgotten, as her intelligence, kindness, and integrity will live on through the actions of those she has touched. We must make this world a safer place for women.

  • I would like to express my condolences to you and your family. I have heard great things about your daughter from my roommate who is on the track team with her. I heard that she was a wonderful, hard-working, smart girl and its a tragedy that we had to lose her so soon. I know that nothing that I say will help you and the pain that you are dealing with but here is a verse from the bible that I have always found comforting, Isaiah 41:10- “fear thou not; for I am with thee. be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

  • I only just heard about this (I’m am alumnus) and am sitting here literally wiping tears learning about this senseless tragedy. I know that the phrase “my thoughts and prayers are with you” is used a lot, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart, having daughters the same age. I pray for you and your loved ones, and hope that you find peace in this most difficult time. Lauren seemed to be a remarkable young woman.

  • I am Megan Moffit, an alumni along with my husband and daughter,Sarah (2017 grad). My heart goes out to Lauren’s dear mom with a commitment to pray for the family continually!

  • When one of the members of the U family dies, we all feel the pain, particularly when that person was a student. My heart goes out to the McCluskey family and I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts, feelings, and prayers are with you. May Lauren rest in peace and may her light shine on for others.

  • Our son plays for The University of Utah hockey team. We are so saddened by the loss of your beautiful daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this devastating time😢😢.

    The Kaspers

  • As a Senior student attending in U, I’m really sad and sorry to hear this terrible news. This incident was terrible enough to make me scared. I’m deeply saddened since how much pain and suffering Lauren’s family has to endure. I send thoughts and prayers to the family and may she rest in peace.

  • I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing, I’m sure she was a wonderful person and she will be missed by those whose lives she touched. May she Rest In Peace.

  • After reading all the thoughts and prayers for Lauren and her family, I am very sad because the world will never experience the talents of this bright young woman in her chosen field of Communication. I am a 1960 alumnus of the University of Utah in the field of Communication. My deepest and sincere condolences to her biological family as well as her university family.

  • I met Lauren very briefly one night at a gathering with friends. As a former track athlete myself, I was inspired by her dedication to the sport, as well as the positive and ambitious attitude she brought to all areas of her life. Her personality was warm, kind, and humble. She seemed very motivated and on track to live a very good life. I am deeply saddened by the loss of this impressive individual, and send my deepest condolences to all of her friends and family. Rest In Peace.

  • As a member of the School of Medicine staff and a mom of a U of U student, who is also a senior this year my heart is just breaking for your family. My heartfelt condolences go out to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

  • As a father of two children, one just started college, I am very sorry for the loss of this fine, young lady. May her rest in peace. And may her parents find strength to survive this loss.

  • My heart goes out to the McCluskeys. I know how much they adored and lived for their children. I can’t imagine the heartbreak, rage, profound sadness and every other emotion they are feeling. My hope for them is to one day get to the point that they look back on memories of their beloved daughter and only remember the good and not the tragedy. Sending my love.

  • Even as an alumni from 2008 I feel a huge pit in my stomach over this…I wasn’t anticipating this feeling so close to home. Nothing about this was Lauren’s fault and she deserves all the credit in the world for contacting campus police and for filing multiple police reports to help protect herself. I am so sorry the family has to go through this! My heart goes out to Lauren’s mother specifically. I cannot imagine what it was like being on the phone with her when it happened. Prayers, love, and faith in God are crucial at this point but I understand that they may not feel like enough. I wish for strength for the entire athletic department, specifically the AD and the track & field team as well as for her college friends and her friends in WA. We love you, Lauren!!

  • I’ve thought about this tragedy throughout the day and am so saddened by Lauren’s death. My thoughts go out to her family, friends, faculty, staff and students. Such a profound loss. May her family find some comfort in knowing an entire community mourns with them.

  • We are heartbroken for Lauren’s family and, as a campus community, we grieve with you. I know Lauren loved to sing. I teach singing in the U’s Department of Theatre. In Lauren’s honor, I will return to work tomorrow and will respond to this horrible tragedy according to Leonard Bernstein’s advice, when he said, “This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.”

  • I was a member of the University of Utah Ski Team 1983-87. My connection to the athletics history and current athletes is strong and committed. I am without words to describe my complete disbelief that Lauren could be gunned down while returning from night class (we often took night classes during winter quarter when we were ski training during the day) and that her family, her fellow teammates/coaches and the entire Utah athletic family as well as student body will mourn this senseless death. My daughter is a freshman living on campus and so this also affects me in the current landscape of young adult worries that should have no place in anyone’s life at this stage of wonder and great futures. The legal system does not always work. My family experienced a traumatic break in/beating/trauma that should have never happened had police found the criminal before he broke into my house and forever changed our families lives. There are not words for Lauren’s family. Parents should not bury their children.

  • I was not lucky enough to meet your daughter, but I´m sure that she was such an extraordinary person – a truly beautiful Angel. My heart and my thoughts are with your family. Please be strong! You are not alone! Love and prayers! Diana

  • May all that new Lauren and her family be comforted at this time. I did not know her but my heart aches for her family and friends. What a senseless act. May you all find peace and love.

  • May all that knew Lauren and her family be comforted at this time. I did not know her but my heart aches for her family and friends. What a senseless act. May you all find peace and love.

  • As the mother of a fellow student, I am holding Lauren’s family and the Utah family close in my heart and prayers today and in the weeks to come. This is not what I wanted my daughter, who is a Freshman, to ever have to experience, let alone in her few few months of college. But she has a strong example to look to , in Lauren. My love and condolences to you.

  • Thoughts and prayers to Lauren’s family and friends. Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord and let Your perpetual light shine upon her, may she rest in peace. Amen

  • Lauren, I am so saddened to know that this has happened to you. You were a bright, sweet girl with such a bright future ahead of you. Being your teammate and watching you come out of your shell is something I treasure. I will always remember one of our 6 hour bus rides home from a Boise St. track meet where you finally opened up and we got to hear you sing. It was so fun to watch such passion come out of such a soft spoken girl. You are already terribly missed, and my deepest condolences go out to your family. You surely did not deserve this. Rest In Peace. ♥️

  • Lauren, you are loved, respected and admired by so many. We are thinking of you and keeping in mind your special soul and light. We send our love and prayers of comfort to your family and friends and promise to never forget you.

  • My family sends peace and strength during this difficult time. We are saddened to hear that a member of our Ute family has been taken too soon. Rest in love ❤️ 🏃‍♀️

  • Best wishes to her, the family, and the many Utes who associated with her. You will be in our hearts and prayers tonight. We wish you the best and a solid recovery. Go Utes.

  • As a former Utah athlete and member of the Utah Athletics family I am so saddened by this amazing community’s loss. My heart goes out to the Mcluskey family in this horrible time. The Utah Athletics family is so special and Lauren was so loved. My family and I are praying for Lauren and her family in this devastating time.

  • My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends Lauren. Your beautiful presence will clearly be missed by many. May the memories of you provide those closest to you the strength to live, love and laugh again… and again. May you rest in peace.

  • I never knew Lauren, but she was on my mind all day. I can’t imagine what her family and friends are going through, and I offer my sincere condolences. She was obviously a wonderful person, and we all grieve with you. I hope you find some peace in knowing that she will live on through you and those who knew her and were influenced by her. Your memories of her, and the things you learned from her will always be with you.

  • We sent our daughter to WSU for 4 years and worried about her everyday.
    My heart is heavy for you as you sent your daughter to my city and my university and this tragedy has happened for your family and friends. There are no words and absolutely no way for anyone to comprehend your pain. Please know you are in our prayers even though we have never met.

  • As an alumnus with two daughters who also graduated from the U of U, I am deeply saddened by the events of the past night. Lauren McCLuskey’s untimely death is a loss to every one in the school community. Our prayers are with her family. May they find comfort in their memories of her beautiful, active life.

  • I am a mom in CA, just wanted to send my heartfelt condolences to the family, May our Good Lord bring you comfort at this very difficult time.
    The Lord is close to the broken hearted….
    Psalms 34:18

  • Today every person on our campus community felt the pain for the loss of Lauren.
    I was reflecting about the occurrence this morning and I have no words to this other than how unfair it is.
    It hurts me to see someone who was so bright, determined and with a promising future leave after a senseless incident.
    I can’t imagine how devastating it would be to her family and friends to hear the news of this tragedy and having deal with it. My deepest thoughts and sympathy to them.
    Lauren will always be remembered by us in the University of Utah.

  • Lauren became a close friend when we sat together in our comm and relationship class. We share the same first name and it was an instant connection. We sat together every day after that. We met to practice our presentations together and feel like I got to know her on a personal level. In one class we played a game of deep questions and I got to know so many cherished facts and memories of hers. I was lucky to know Lauren for the time that I did and will think about her often. I know it probably sounds stupid but I don’t know who I will sit by in class now. Thank you for being you and for being awesome Lauren ♥️

  • The ripples of this horrendous, inexplicable tragedy have reached Oregon as this alumna (BA English 1975) tries to grasp how it could have happened. I feel the deep pain and anguish of this loss for everyone involved, particularly Lauren’s family, friends, coaches, teachers. If Lauren’s death is to count for something, let it be this: that our culture finds a way to prevent anyone with a criminal record from possessing a gun. I carry thoughts of Lauren with me now and weep for all involved.

  • My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lauren’s family and friends. I’m so sorry for your tragic loss and hope you can find peace in the memories you have of Lauren and in He who “will not leave you comfortless.” John 14:18, 26, 27

  • As a former track and field athlete and a current Ute, this hits really close to home. I pray her family will find strength and comfort during this really difficult time. I also pray her athletic family will be comforted as well.

  • My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this beautiful young woman who was unfairly taken from this world too soon. I only know of Lauren through this tragedy in my community. It deeply saddens me that such violence occurs here, or anywhere. I hope this senseless and mean act will turn into something positive in honor of the victim and her family, I hope it will repair any problems in the system that did not protect her from a known criminal. May she rest in peace as we work to make our corner of the world more safe and tranquil. I’m sorry Lauren.

  • I didn’t know Lauren that well, but I did spend some time with her, and she was the sweetest girl. She was so kind, helpful and considerate to me even though we did not know each other. She was so radiant that she lifted up everyone. The image of her bright smile has been on my mind all day. She did not deserve what happened. My heart goes out to her friends and family; she will be missed dearly. Rest in peace, Lauren. ❤

  • To Lauren’s family. I am faculty at the University of Utah and just got a call from a common friend – Hendrik — so we are connected in unforeseen and tragic ways. As a mom and professor, my heart goes out to you. I know there is nothing that I can say to make this loss for your family more bearable. We’re all thinking of you.

  • Our most sincere condolences go out to Lauren’s family and friends. I have a 21 year old daughter attending a local university, and I sympathize with her parents. I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words.

  • I’ve read many of the comments made by those who met Lauren. She is was a bright, friendly, and talented woman. She will be deeply missed.

    With love

    Austin

  • I only knew Lauren as a baby when her parents were grad students at UC Berkeley. Over the years I learned about her accomplishments in track and field. She was at a meet the last time we visited Pullman. Her murder left me speechless, and the anguish I feel after the events on campus is matched by the anger at the lax gun control regulations that make it so easy to kill.

    • Marianne, thank you for mentioning gun control. This terrible act of violence occurred because a criminal possessed a gun. As the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, would recognize, working for change in gun control legislation is a meaningful channel for the outrage and anguish felt by those who mourn the loss of anyone’s life to gun violence.

  • Condolences to this beautiful young lady and her family and friends. Sending our love all the way from Brisbane, Australia.

  • I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am praying for you, Lauren’s family and friends. I pray God gives you comfort during this time.

  • Your deep personal loss is unfathomable; I hope our combined prayers and thoughts help ease the pain a little. Lauren’s dedication to studies and athletics is a shining example for all to follow!

  • I truly wish there was something I could say to ease your pain. To lose a loved one is difficult, but to lose someone so young is heartbreaking. But you are not alone. There are thousands of us here at the University of Utah who will miss her. She will not be forgotten. Please know that I grieve with you and your family and I will keep you and Lauren in my prayers.

  • I didn’t know Lauren but as a student at the University of Utah I’ve been able to hear some of her colleagues and friends speak of her. It’s clear she was loved, but also returned that love to others, which in my mind is the highest form of praise. I’m sorry for your loss. The students at the university will everything they can to serve her memory well.

  • We all love our U students, are U athletes and our U community that all call the U of U their second home, and we want to tell her parents what a wonderful and beautiful daughter they were blessed with. May her memory always be with you and that you find peace and love during this very difficult time. We hope and pray that something this senseless never happens again and that we can all look-out and take care of each other knowing that life is precious. As a father of two I find this heartbreaking and only want the best for Lauren’s family and friends as they move forward from this tragedy.

  • I am at a loss for words. This is so unbelievably heartbreaking. My sincere condolences for Lauren’s family and friends. You are all in my prayers. May you rest peacefully Lauren.

  • My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to Lauren’s family and friends. My son is a freshman student at the U, and this is every parent’s worst nightmare when we send our kids away to college. I pray for God’s hand of comfort to hold you during this time. You are in my prayers.

  • My heart goes out to the family of Lauren. What a tragic loss. May our Lord provide strength to the families, friends and community, in the coming days.
    God Bless and may her soul rest in peace.

  • My Heart and prayers goes out to her family. She seems like a sweet child. i know what it feels like to lose a child, time heals a little but memories last a life time.
    <3 <3 <3

  • I didn’t know Lauren, but as a Ute I can’t help but feel deep sadness over the senseless loss of such a young beautiful girl. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. Rest in love Lauren. Your name will not be forgotten.

  • I am so sorry for you loss. No parent should be required to bury their child regardless of the situation. My heartfelt condolences to your family. 💔😢

  • I am from Utah and a Ute, but am overseas living in Australia. My heart breaks to hear about what happened. To Lauren’s family: your loss is felt across the world. May you be comforted during the difficult time.

  • Though I did not know Lauren, nor did I got to Univ. Of Utah, I am still sadden by the act of violence. May Lauren rest in peace and be with God. My prayers go out to her family, friends, teammates and anyone else affected by this loss.

  • I can not even begin to imagine the kind of pain that comes with loosing a child, I just know no one should ever have to experience it. Our prayers go out to Lauren and all of those who mourn her death. My Deepest condolences to your family.

  • I did not know Lauren, but as a formal track and field athlete myself,I am deeply saddened and I could not get her tragic loss off mind since I heard the horrible and senseless tragic news yesterday morning. This broke my heart. My sincere condolences to all her family and friends. My thy Lord gives her family and friends the inner strengths to deal with her loss. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

  • My deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes to family, friends, teammates and classmates for the unimaginaeable loss of of Lauren.
    Without question her bright light will burn forever. Over time may there be comfort in the memories of the time spent with her. RIP

  • My oldest daughter is a freshman at Utah this fall. My heart is absolutely broken for your family. Lauren seemed like an amazing young woman. She will be an amazing angel now. God bless and may time ease your pain at least a little bit. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • I am a professor at the U, and was blessed to have Lauren in my intro course some years ago. She absolutely stands out in my memory as a disciplined, attentive, smart student. Even more so, she stands out as kind. Indeed, my clearest memories of Lauren were of her actively reaching out to other students in the class and offering her help in various ways. I was particularly impressed with Lauren in this regard. She seemed especially open to helping and befriending all others in the class — regardless of apparent social status or considerations of who might benefit more academically from the relationship. There were apparently no cliques with Lauren, and no one she wouldn’t happily serve. Those students who needed help the most in the class quickly found a study partner in Lauren. I believe she was a kind and willing servant to others.

    May her memory be eternal!

  • I did not know Lauren but I was shocked and deeply sadened to hear about what happened to her. I offer my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and teammates. I pray that my words might bring even a small amount of comfort. Know that we all grieve the loss of an incredible athlete, student, and human being. She will always be part of not only the Ute family but the Utah community. I know that my words and prayers are not much but I hope you know that you are in my prayers.

  • I didn’t know Lauren or her family but my heart aches for them Having lost a cousin last year in Vegas I can relate a little to what they and others who were close to her must be feeling. The shocking part is that this sort of thing just keeps happening.
    I was an employee at the U and I know that the community there will support her family and friends with the utmost kindness and respect. We as just fellow human beings can helpful by just being kinder to one another and sending positive and loving thoughts to the many that are forever changed from this horrific incident.
    Hugs and Prayers for you all.

  • My heart goes out to the McCluskeys and the campus community. No child should be lost so soon and in such a manner. We pray for Lauren’s family, friends, fellow students and athletes, and the whole campus community. The life she lived and the love she shared will help fill the hole her absence creates.

  • An immeasurable loss. My deepest condolences to the family. I hope life will eventually bring you peace in the midst of such tragedy. Your daughter will be missed.

  • Shocking, tragic, senseless, unimaginable. How did murder become an option for dealing with life’s disappointments? My prayers for peace and comfort to the Mccluskey family, friends of Lauren, U of U community and others who must try to live normally after this.

  • I have no tie to the U. But I do have a tie as a mother of children Lauren’s age. I can not imagine the pain, suffering, and grief you are all enduring right now. It’s easy to say I’ll pray for you or you’re in my thoughts. There isn’t much more that I can say though, other than I’ll think about your daughter/loved one over the coming days, weeks, and years to come. Her death once again reminds us all that life is short. To repair grievances. To turn the other cheek. To love one another. You have my deepest of love and condolences. ❤️

  • I did not know Lauren personally but I want to offer my condolences to her family, friends and the u of u community.

    University Alumni & former Hospital staff.

  • We thank you for letting us get to know your daughter over the last few years. She was a shining light on the hill. Your family is in our daily prayers. May Our Heavenly Father heal your broken hearts.

    Love,

    The Webb Family

  • I am deeply saddened and by this terrible occurrence and feel heartbroken for the loss and hardship her parents had to experience both when it occurred and will have to endure forever more. I did not know her, but her story pulls hard at my heart. Deepest condolences and prayers to all affected.

  • I am so very sorry for your loss. I have a daughter at the U that is Lauren’s age and I simply can not imagine your pain. I have no words to make it better. Please know there are people thinking and praying for your family and everyone at the U that Lauren’s life touched. I will never understand why things like this happen. May you find peace in knowing she will not be forgotten by those she touched…and it sounds like that was a lot of people.

  • I never attended the U, but have pride for you school and the professionals it produces, and respect for all students and their endeavors. I am a coach in Idaho and recently lost a team member as well. I am so sorry for your loss – your team, family, coaches, and classmates will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  • I haven’t stopped thinking about this story when the news broke. Then I found out it was one of our student athletes. Given I am a former student athlete, I can’t imagine losing a teammate. My thoughts are with those athletes that spent their years of “sisterhood” with Lauren as well as with her family and friends.

  • I send my sincerest and deepest condolences to Lauren’s family and close friends. I didn’t know her, but I am also the mother of an accomplished young woman close in age to Lauren, and I cannot imagine the shock and loss her family must feel. Such a waste and a tragedy to lose such a promising and talented young woman. I do not understand how people can do such terrible things to other people. I am keeping the McCluskey family in my thoughts and prayers.

  • As a parent of a former student athlete that played for the UTES , this is a very devastating news to hear. I am grieving for the members of her family and friends. Nothing I say will help ease the pain of her family members but nonetheless “my family and I would like to say our deepest condolences.”

  • To the Family, Friends and Teammates of Lauren, I am so sorry for your loss, I did not know Lauren, but I know the pain of loss, and my heart goes out to you at this difficult time.

  • Dear Lauren McCluskey’s Family, Friends, and Teammates:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. This is my first semester at the University of Utah. I am a transfer student and Veteran, majoring in Criminology and Psychology. I just ran the U5K this past Saturday, as I love to run. I am so heartbroken that such an amazing person has been untimely taken from you/us due to a senseless and cowardly act. I have a 6-year old daughter, who I am raising and teaching the same values that Lauren lived by. I promise you that my daughter will know Lauren’s values and story. I would be so proud to see me daughter grow to be the person that Lauren so admirably exemplified. We plan to run next year’s U5K and it WILL have Lauren’s name somewhere visible on the attire of my daughter and I! Rest In Peace, Lauren! You will not be forgotten!

  • Condolences on a senseless action. I know as parent’s you will read each and every comment. I didn’t know your daughter, but I know that someday you will be re-united. May you find some peace in that

  • The loss of a child is a devastating event which no parent can adequately describe. Mr and Mrs McCluskey, though it is not enough to console you during this darkest hour, please know our hearts ache with you and you’re not alone as you walk this path. And though it will never be enough, I’m sure much good will be accomplished in her name and it will be a tribute to the kind of person she is. As a current staff member at the University of Utah and as a father of a daughter attending this institution, my deepest, heartfelt sympathies to you, her loving parents, to your family and all who knew her.

  • My sincerest and deepest condolences to Lauren’s family. May the comfort of the all mighty God be with your family at this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Lauren! Family can be together forever!

  • Our deepest sympathy goes to the McCluskey family. No words can ever take away the pain of losing your daughter but please know families across the country grieve with you and pray that you find peace again. May you have strength and courage to sustain you. Rest In Peace Lauren.

  • It’s hard enough to lose someone when you’re expecting it, but this… this is beyond words.
    I did not have the opportunity in my college to meet or to know Lauren McCluskey, but as an employee and mother, I am shaken to the core by the tragedy of her passing. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Lauren’s parents, her family, her friends, and everyone who knew her in her home town and here at the University of Utah; Please know there are a circle of complete strangers surrounding you, embracing you, and lifting you up in prayer at this most difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy.

  • As the father of three daughters aged 18-24, including two who are attending college, I really feel for Mr. and Mrs. McCluskey. I am so sorry. I know you are both professors at Washington State and you could have kept Lauren close to home. Thank you for sending her to Utah.

  • Mr. and Mrs. McCluskey…. I cannot understand the level of pain you must be going through and I cannot express anything that would lessen this sting. What I can do is offer my prayers for strength, comfort and compassion. Please know you will be in thoughts and I, along with many others, will ask our lord to keep loving arms around you.

    God bless you.

  • My deepest condolences go out to the parents, family and closest friends of Lauren McCluskey. My prayers go out to you, during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Lauren. With love, always.

  • Dear McClusky family,
    As a former student-athlete at the U of U I send my love and heartfelt condolences to you at this time of great sadness. I cannot imagine losing my daughter or son to such a senseless crime. If there is any consolation in this tragedy, know that you never walk alone and your daughter’s life is celebrated in her words and deeds that others have so eloquently described, and which only you know the truest depth of their meaning. May God protect and bless you all.

  • My heart is broken with the loss of your precious Lauren, a beautiful young woman on the brink of discovery. It is a reminder that life is precious and we need each other. Mr. and Mrs. McCluskey, I pray that your hearts may be touched by your daughters spirit and zest for life, and that the peace of love from family, friends and strangers will support you in those hard moments ahead. I mourn with you and trust that God will be with you. Rest in peace Lauren.

  • I want to add my deepest condolences to the McCluskey family, to her extended family and friends, to the athletic department and athletes and to the entire student body at the U. It was a tragedy and huge loss for all. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, but especially with Lauren’s Mom. I can’t imagine the pain you must be experiencing right now. I continue to hope and pray your burden will be lighter.

  • My family and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to Lauren’s loved ones as they face this tremendous loss.

    I have also heard from a College of Social Work alum who offered this comment: I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Lauren’s family and friends. It was a sad incident. Tom S.

  • Dear McClusky family,
    Losing someone like your daughter is simply heartbreaking. Life sometimes doesn’t make sense. May God raise you up and carry you through this difficult time. May her beautiful memories keep your hearts light and keep you moving forward. With heartfelt sympathy.

  • Lauren was a student in one of the classes that I teach here at the Univ. of Utah. She was so bright, attentive, and a role model as a student-athlete, I was happy she was in my class. She will be missed so much. My sincerest condolences to her family, your are in my prayers.

  • No parents should ever have to bury their child. The depth of loss from a senseless tragedy like this one is unfathomable, and my heart goes out to Lauren’s family, friends, and teammates. Nothing will ease the pain but the passage of time, and then only incompletely, but I hope that knowing the loss is shared by so many others, and the outpouring of support and sympathy, help in some small way to make the loss at least a little easier to bear.

  • My heart aches for the McCluskey family and my sincerest condolences on Lauren’s senseless and tragic death. My daughter is a freshman at the U and I can’t even begin to imagine putting myself in your shoes. Please know she will never be forgotten and touched so many lives. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Heartbreaking story she was just a young beauitful girl that had her whole life a head of her but This man that was only thinking of only his self at this time that he could do this to her. My prayers and thoughts are going out to her family and friends and team mates though this hard time… ❤ 💔

  • So heartbreaking. I was teammates with Lauren here at the U, and she was always determined, hardworking and kind. She never failed to ask me about how my day was or how my race went. The Ute community and track team will miss her dearly, and I send my deepest love to the McCluskey family. Rest in peace. xoxo

  • This is very sad and I can’t imagine the heartache by the family and her loved ones. It’s my hopes that there will be an enormous amount of love and support around those who are suffering at this time …..

  • Willing blessings and comfort for Lauren’s parents, family, teammates, and friends.

    The morning after Lauren left this earth for heaven, the sky was so incredible. I will never forget its glory. The entire valley sky was dark, except for the bright, vertical striations of light over the University of Utah. There was a stunning rainbow over the foothills, like none I have seen before. Heaven welcoming its newest, brightest angel.

  • I am so sorry for this senseless act of violence. Your daughter was a beautiful, strong woman. She obviously set a great example for all of us. I pray that God will bless you at this extremely difficult time.

    LuAnn Lukenbach
    UofU class of ‘96
    College if Communications

  • To the McCluskey family,
    Our hearts are breaking for the loss of your beautiful daughter, Lauren. Please know that the entire University and as well as the entire State are with you in your grief and loss.

  • As a Ute alumni, a human, a mother, mother of a Utah pentathlete with Lauren I want to say this- I hope that you will go forward after all of the shock and attention have settled and you will know in your heart of hearts that you have a permanent, world wide community of people who will continue to love and support your family and your beautiful (inside and out) daughter Lauren. I hope that you can derive strength from this and feel our arms around you from all over the world. We share your pain and will hold it for your when you can’t bear it. We love you and won’t forget Lauren or the way in which she touched many lives and set an excellent example physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Although she still had so much potential she clearly used all of her gifts to create an exceptional life during the years she had on earth.
    Please reach out to this community for anything, anything at all.

  • My daughter is a student at the U and told me she met Lauren last year through mutual friends. They would sometimes meet up and go to the gym. She said they raced on the track sometimes, and Lauren always won 😉. Knowing that my daughter knew yours makes this hit home for me. From one mother of a Utah student to another, my heart aches for you and I send my love to you. Please know that even though I don’t know you, I wish I could wrap my arms around you at this difficult time. ❤️❤️❤️

  • My thoughts and prayers are with the McCluskey family. May you find peace and support from family and friends as well as the University community who care so very deeply.

  • Sending my love and prayers to Lauren’s family and friends. I feel deep sorry for all the pain Lauren’s family and friends have to go through. Also, sending all my love and support to all the students at the University of Utah.
    BYU Alumni

  • WE WERE SO SADDENED WHEN WE HEARD OF THE TRAGEDY ON THE U CAMPUS LAST NIGHT. MAY I SHARE THIS WITH YOU… WE LOST A DAUGHTER TO CANCER AND IT WAS VERY PAINFUL AT THE TIME. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 3 YEARS. THEY SAY THAT TIME HEALS ALL, WHILE NOT COMPLETELY TRUE, WITH TIME NOW PASSED, WE HAVE CHOSEN TO TRY TO REMEMBER HER LIFE WHILE SHE WAS WITH US RATHER THAN DWELL ON THE LOSS.
    OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS

  • My deepest condolences to your family. As a track and field alum (’05) my heart breaks over this senseless tragedy and the pain your family is going through. Prayers for comfort at this difficult time.

  • While sports prepares us for wins and losses in life, this loss will be one that some of us will never over come. Just know that all past, present, and future U of U students, coaches, teachers will celebrate her life well lived. We will all be affected by her beautiful smile and morn her absence as a community united in sharing this heavy sadness.

  • There are no words that anyone can say to ease your pain. I am so sorry. When I got the alert the first thing I did was text my son to find out if he was on campus or home. He was at home. I prayed that no one was hurt. The next text I received from him is when he told me his friend and fellow athlete Lauren was the victim. My stomach became ill, my heart broke and the tears are still flowing. Our family experienced a shooting death as well 5 years ago. All I can do is keep your entire family in prayer. I pray the numbness, shock and anger will ease for you with every breath you take and with every new day. I pray you can begin to replace the anger with the beautiful memories of your very kind, loving, talented, giving beautiful daughter. I’ve read about the beautiful sky and rainbow over campus the next morning of her passing. She had faith in Christ, attended the same church (Capital Church) I did when visiting my son. I do believe it was her way of letting everyone know she is alright and is in the most beautiful place. I believe God was letting everyone know she is in His loving arms. And we can all imagine her running the Golden Streets of Heaven. Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace.
    May you lean on Him and allow Him to carry you through this most horrific difficult time. I pray you feel all the Love we all are pouring out around you.

  • I’m heartbroken for your family and wish you all strength. As a mother of a daughter in college out of state, I can not imagine your pain but wish you peace.

  • I cannot get the death of Lauren out of my mind. The world has changed so much since I was a student at the U of U. I would have done the same thing as Lauren – talking with my mom on the phone while I walked home to my dorm, just to keep safe. But Lauren’s poor mom and her dad couldn’t keep her safe because of a bad person who took a young life. I want to express my condolences to Lauren’s parents, her family members, classmates, friends and all who knew her. Keep her memory alive in your hearts. Give yourself time to heal as you grieve the loss of a life cut short in its prime. I am so sad and am sending my prayers your way.

  • Although we from st. Louis Missouri our sincere condolences to the family friends relatives and to Lauren, leave your legacy jump high higher than you think you can ever reach

  • As a former Ute my heart was crushed to hear of such a senseless act of violence to such an aspiring individual. My thoughts and prayers goes out to your family during this difficult time. Families can be forever!

  • I am LDS and I do know this is a hard loss for the parents of Lauren. But I do think Heavenly Father will will not put up with the bad people and he will bless and be with that family and help them through the hard times, even if they are not LDS. I know that families can be together forever if your married in the temple and that i know I will get to see my dad and grandparents again when I die. I am honoring the Lauren even if I don’t know her by wearing a red University of Utah sweater all day and honoring the parents you raised a Beautiful Young lady and just know that you are vary loved by the Community Know that you will get to see your daughter again. That is my testimony and I know it is true that I will see my dad again and I am disabled so and I know that for a fact

  • I have read a lot of these comments on the thread and have not seen one negative comment on here. Lauren was obviously an amazing person in all aspects of life and my deep condolences go out to her family and friends! I hope this entire thread will help bring you peace and strength!

  • My heart has broken to hear about what has happened to this thriving and successful young lady! It makes me sick to my stomach to think this could have happened in this world we live in today. Even though I did not know Lauren my strongest condolences to her poor mother, father, family, track & field family, and friends. May her legend live on and her loved ones hold strong through this trying time.

  • My daughter is a freshman at the U. My heart is heavy at this terrible loss of an inspiring young woman. My deepest condolences to all her friends, family, and university community.

  • I had the chance to start to get to know Lauren, as she was in my online class I teach here at the U, 2nd session. So in only a couple of weeks, I’d read and graded her well-written responses. I could immediately see how bright, curious and well-rounded and engaged she was. I could tell she was a student who would add to the online conversation and class community, something a teacher hopes for. I’m sorry I won’t get that chance—we’re all diminished by her loss. My condolences to her family for this terrible tragedy.

  • To Lauren’s family, friends, and teammates may you find comfort and peace in knowing she lived a good life giving kindness and goodness to those she met and to those she knew. These events are so senseless and painful. Please know there are many in the University of Utah family and beyond who feel your pain and will have you in their thoughts and prayers.

  • It was very hard for me to see all this happening from the dorms. I can’t even imagine what Lauren’s family is going through. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to her family.

  • I ran on the McCarthey track earlier this week — I felt overwhelmed by a sense of the heartbreak and emptiness in a place where Lauren spent so much of her time with teammates and coaches who clearly loved her. I’m so sorry for her family, friends, and everyone grieving for her right now.

  • As the mother of a young college student, my heart breaks for Lauren’s mom and entire family. We send our kids off with great anticipation and excitement as they pursue their passions. Too tragic for words. Deepest condolences.

  • My condolences and prayers for the family and for the soul of Lauren.

    Her death is a reminder of how fragile our lives are. We can’t live our lives in fear, but we can live with love for those around us.

    Lauren may the grace of God bring your soul into the eternal kingdom where you can smile again in peace forever!

  • Lauren, my sympathy goes to your family. God in his mercy shall grant your family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Your memories will continue to inspire and touch everyone that you came in contact forever. Anem!!!

  • Lauren, my sympathy goes to your family!! I’m sorry for the loss of the daughter!! You look like you were a sweet loving and caring woman!! You will be missed !! My prayers will always be with your family and you Lauren!!

  • My heart aches with love and sorrow for Lauren and all the lives she touched, especially her family, especially her mom. I have no real comfort to share. But I can sign up for a chunk of the pain and haul it alongside you for a while.

    You are not here alone.

  • From Cali. What a tragic story fir a beautiful life. May your family and friends find peace and solitude during these times. I pray the heavenly angels comfort your soul. R.I.P.

  • To Lauren’s Parents,
    I read about this tragedy on CNN. I can’t even imagine your pain and grief. Lauren was so beautiful and talented. It makes me sick to think that someone just took her life away, like a thief in the night. Such a senseless and cruel action. I wish I could turn back time for you. I wish you love and comfort and I know your daughter would not want you to suffer in pain. May peace be with you. Hugs from New York City.

  • As a father of four daughters my heart is shattered for the tragedy that has taken place. My heart goes out to her family and to all those involved and especially the University of Utah. While I am a died in the wool BYU fan, but it doesn’t matter what team I support. I support humanity and the right for all women to be safe. I hope Good people everywhere will rise up I’m help stop this kind of tragedy to continuefrom. 💕💕💕💕💕

  • People shouldn’t be killed on campus at all. Murder is an atrocity that really shouldn’t exist in society. We should send our prayers to her family.

  • Thoughts and prayers extended to Ms. Lauren McCluskey’s parents, siblings, friends, as well as her Utah alumni. In this horrific nightmare of grief, pray to the Heavenly Father that your tears will; be posited in His bottle of comfort, compassion, love and warmth. May those of you who truly knew Ms. McCluskey reminisce over time her smile, her God-breathed gifts of song and blooming athletic prowess. Know that even while tragically her physical life force has been selfishly, violently, despicably, cowardly

    Lauren may your enduring spirit be in the eternal dwelling of Christ Jesus. May you be clothed in His innocence, unconditional love, goodness, righteousness, security, trust and peace.

    “Violence is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in destruction for all. It is immoral because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding: it seeks to annihilate rather than convert. Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love. It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible. It leaves society in monologue rather than dialogue. Violence ends up defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers.” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)

    “The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; He will bathe His feet in the blood of the wicked.” (Psalm 58:10)

    “But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” (Romans 2:8)

    “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.”(Romans 12:17)

    “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves rather give place unto wrath: for it is written vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

    “…The Lord Jesus will be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” (II Thessalonians 1:7-8)

  • This has brought a man in Nashville, Tennessee to tears. Such a strong woman taken too early… My wife and I will be praying for the family and friends.

  • I don’t know Lauren M. But I grieve with their family for this loss. Her spirit shines through to strangers through her athletic pursuits. All of us good folks in the world share in the pain and the loss of a good soul.

    • I’m a senior at the U, I too plan to graduate in May. I didn’t know Lauren, but it’s five days later and I’m still laying on the couch crying. What a tragic loss of a beautiful girl. I will never forget my fellow graduate.

  • It feels so heartbroken to lose someone who I know nothing about, but see extraordinaries she had and would have accomplished in her time. She had talents she could have exceeded and lifelong journey of her endeavors ahead. Pray for her family, friends and teammates!

  • This amazing young woman had such a bright future. So much to look forward to …
    I pray that her family and close friends can find peace in the midst of this storm.

  • Troy University alum here: I am so sorry for your loss as parents and the university. I cant imagine the pain you guys having lost a great future track star. I hope you find peace in the days ahead of you and know you have great support around you, from around the country and world. Godspeed, prayers for all.

  • To Lauren’s and the University of Utah family, My heart goes out to you and prays for your comfort and peace during this tragic time. Lauren was beautiful and I know she’ll be missed. All my best.

  • Such a tragedy, and waste of a promising young life…
    Hopefully there will some lessons learned form this, so other young ladies don’t suffer the same fate.

  • Blessings to all your FAMILY & Close friends. May our GOOD LORD & SAVIOR CONTINUE TO HEAL THE COMMUNITY.
    LAUREN IS NOW RUNNING FOR THE LORD. 💜✝️💜

    Xoxo,
    Miami Florida 🌴

  • Just from reading an article regarding this senseless murder. I lost my sister in May over domestic violence and it literally breaks my heart that someone can feel they have the right to decide death upon another being. I pray for the family’s comfort and strength during this difficult time. Rest In Heavenly Peace, Love Bug!

  • Just felt compelled to leave my condolences for Lauren’s loved ones. Know that others feel your pain, your sorrow, and your emptiness today, and may the grace of God get you through this very difficult time. All crime, but especially crimes against women, needs to stop. God bless!!!!!

  • To the Family,

    Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. May God provide you with comfort during this grievous time. Be assured that one day soon God will do away with death forever. 1 Corinthians 15:26.

  • My sincere condolences to Lauren’s family. They go off to school in hopes of a bright future and it is scary for parents when they do so I cannot imagine her mother’s fear as she went through this with her daughter including listening on the phone. My heart breaks for you. May God give you and your family peace in the beautiful memories you hold dear.

  • Our Condolences To Your Parents .Only The Almighty Can Comfort Them For Losing Such A Shinning Star Full Of life And Hope Which The Devil Named Rowland Shamelessly Cut Off From All Human Whom Lauren Would Have Positively Impacted .
    Lauren Your Bravery To Resist That Demon Called Rowland When You Discovered His Hidden Obnoxious Past Will Make The Almighty To Grant Your Soul A Perfect Peace And Rest In A Trouble -Free Eternity .May Your Soul Rest In Perfect Place ! Our Hearts Are Broken.

  • So many lives now changed forever because of one senseless act of violence. I send my deepest sympathy and condolences to her family and friends and fellow classmates and athletes. So many people were touched by Lauren and it just makes no sense to me how this could happen.

  • My sincerest condolences to Lauren’s family and friends. Lauren was a beautiful person. This is a terrible tragedy that should never have happened. I am so sorry for her family and hope the whole community gathers together to offer them incredible support. May Lauren rest in peace.

  • I did not know Lauren, but I feel it necessary to send my deepest heart felt condolences to Laurens family and friends.
    I happened to see this heart breaking story of a beautiful young woman with such a bright future ahead of her, to be taken so selfishly by someone with no conscience. This is a tragic and unfortunate circumstance that should have never happened to her.
    My heart breaks too often hearing so many stories like Lauren’s throughout the states of America. I hope Lauren’s family and friends find peace and comfort one day. As a mom of two young children, I can only imagine the hurt forced upon your family.
    Please know there are many of us from all over keeping you in our thoughts and hearts.
    Rest easy Lauren xoxo

    Kelly , Canada

  • My family and I want to extend our thoughts and prayers to Lauren and her family. As Washington residents, we feel we have lost a family member as well. R.I.P Lauren. Prayers, blessings and comfort to her family, school, teammates, friends and anyone affected by this senseless lose.

  • To Laurens Parents, Family and many friends. I am so sorry for your loss. My family and I will continue to lift you up in prayer. God is faithful and loves you guys. Thanks for your generosity even in the midst of your time of tragedy by offering a scholarship to help others. May her memory live on and bless and inspire others.
    God Bless You all.

  • As a parent, especially a daughter, this is your worst nightmare. I cannot even imagine what her parents must be going through. It is disheartening that you cannot trust anyone these days it seems. I would have such a hard time sending one of my kids away to college – you just never know. My heart goes out to Lauren’s family at this difficult time.

  • As a woman Lauren’s age, my heart is broken. She seemed like a beautiful, sweet girl who did whatever it took to make herself safe. Her soul, her friends, and her family are in my prayers. God bless this family – I hope they receive justice for this precious girl.

  • My condolences to the family and all the ones that knew her. That was a tragic loss and should not have happen. She is now a Guardian Angel and will always be in ones heart.

  • Thoughts and prayers extended to Ms. Lauren McCluskey’s parents, siblings, friends, as well as her Utah alumni. In this horrific nightmare of grief, pray to the Heavenly Father that your tears will; be posited in His bottle of comfort, compassion, love and warmth. May those of you who truly knew Ms. McCluskey reminisce over time her smile, her God-breathed gifts of song and blooming athletic prowess. Know that even while tragically her physical life force has been selfishly, violently, despicably, cowardly, barbarically, hatefully extinguished; God’s justice in her memory will roll down like a mighty stream.

    Lauren may your enduring spirit be in the eternal dwelling of Christ Jesus. May you be clothed in His innocence, unconditional love, gentleness, goodness, righteousness, security, trust and peace.

    “Violence is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in destruction for all. It is immoral because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding: it seeks to annihilate rather than convert. Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love. It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible. It leaves society in monologue rather than dialogue. Violence ends up defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers.” -Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

    “The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; He will bathe His feet in the blood of the wicked.” -Psalm 58:10

    “But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” -Romans 2:8
    “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.”
    -Romans 12:17

    “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves rather give place unto wrath: for it is written vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” -Romans 12:19

    “…The Lord Jesus will be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” -II Thessalonians 1:7-8

  • My deepest condolences for Lauren and her family. My heart aches to hear of this tragedy. I hate he got off easy by taking his life but at least this sick individual can’t hurt anyone else!! R.I.P. Lauren and to the parents of Lauren there are no words to ease your pain but remembering your beautiful daughter and the time you had with her. You will never forget, but it will get easier for the day to day. I know because I lost a son in a hit and run.

  • Love and prayers to the family and friends of this beautiful girl who had her whole life ahead of her. I got tears in my eyes as I read the horrible series of events leading up to her cowardly murder. My heart aches for her parents and I pray that Lauren is at peace.

  • My heart is saddened to read this horrific news. May the Lord bring comfort and peace to her family during this difficult time. Please accept my condolences.

  • My deepest Heartfelt Condolences go out to the McClusky Family, and all that knew and loved her. As a Father of a Gun Violence Victim I know that there are not any words that will fill the emptiness left in your Heart. My Son was 24 when he was taken away from us on May 11 of this year, I do not know what else to tell you except that please accept my Truest Condolences.

  • We are with you Jill and Matt. We will forever remember this beautiful and ambitious young lady. Her achievements at this young age is amazing, which we will also remember. Please take care of yourselves.

    Wei and Shengbai

  • Simply Senseless. With deep compassion, this family’s love and support pours out to Lauren’s. I’ve personally thwarted abusers before and I’m just really sorry that one of us good people wasn’t closer this time to stop this. But please trust and know the good people are here, and we do support you and especially support Lauren. Our Love, compassion and prayers go to you each. Someone said it earlier, and it sure feels true to me. ~She Is an Angel~

  • I wept when I first heard of this tragic story, now I am angry. Knowing Lauren is with our Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven for eternity is comforting, but I still think we all can learn that any complaint filed with law enforcement should be acted on immediately, without delay and that police have a duty to error on the side of a potential victim. R,I.P. Lauren may you never be forgotten.

  • Our Hearts breaking with Heaviness for Lauren and Family , Sending our Strength and Courage along with all Healing Power for Lauren’s family and friends. Lauren is with all who love her very much so, smiling bright and hugging tight.! You will be forever Missed BUT Never Forgotten, Lauren. Our Hearts are here.

  • I am sorry to hear about this. I extend my condolences to the families, friends, and associates of Lauren. I ask for god to extend his hand over Lauren’s family, as well as those at the U.

  • My heart aches for the loss suffered here. May God be with you in this trying time. Though difficult, I believe Lauren’s family will be stronger by this, and the student bodies across Utah will be more vigilant because of this. I want you to know that I believe Lauren is not gone forever and that her family can be with her again. Families can be forever. I believe that.

  • Thoughts and prayers go out to all those who knew Lauren. May God provide them comfort and strength during this difficult time. Leave your Legacy. Gone, but not forgotten.

  • Hi, we are two students from Spain. For school, we were order to create a blog about athletes and sports. To tribute her, we made it about her. We thought that you might want to see it, so here is the link. It’s on spanish, but it’s basically her best marks and a picture. We did it from the complete respect and love.
    Our best wishes from Galicia, Spain.
    Alba and Uxía
    ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
    https://uxiayalba.blogspot.com/2018/10/lauren-mccluskey-campeona-estatal-de.html

  • What a tragedy. I knew Lauren as a little girl and her parents. My deep and sincere condolences to her family. My spouse was a Ph. D. student of Lauren’s father.

  • Words cannot express our sadness nor help make sense of this. My daughter was a team mate of Lauren’s for four years. She tells me what a gentle, sweet person Lauren was, with a great sense of humor.
    Please know that our hearts are with you in your sorrow. Sincerely, Williams family.

  • I hope that Lauren’s parents read these comments and that they know that we have not forgotten. Often there is a great deal of sympathy right after a tragedy and then everyone goes back to normal life. But this Christmas is anything but normal for Lauren’s family. I am so sorry that this will be their first Christmas without her. As the father of three daughters, believe me when I say that I have thought of you often and will continue to do so.

  • This is so tragic. She was a talented, kind and beautiful girl. My heart goes out to these parents. May they feel God’s comforting arms wrapped around them.

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