Alumna Darcy Quick '06 died on Friday, June 16, as the result of a tragic hiking accident at Mount Rainier National Park.
Alumna Darcy Quick '06 died on Friday, June 16, as the result of a tragic hiking accident at Mount Rainier National Park.
A May graduate, she had been working as a seasonal employee at the National Park Inn in Longmire, Wash., in addition to leading Bible studies with co-workers and participating in a Christian ministries program.
She told co-workers she was going for a hike alone after work on Friday, June 16, and her roommate reported her missing on Saturday when she hadn't returned. The search began that day, with a helicopter locating her body shortly before noon on Monday, June 19. According to media reports, it appeared that she had slipped and fallen from near the top of the 320-foot CometFalls.
Twenty-two years old, she had grown up in the Pacific Northwest, graduating from La SalleHigh School in Milwaukie, Ore. More recently her family has lived in Winfield, Ill.
She majored in social work at Hope, and her future plans included social work and ministry. Her activities as a student included the Alpha Phi Omega national service organization, tutoring with the Children's After School Achievement (CASA) program, Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, participating in the spring break mission trip program, the Union of Catholic Students and the Outdoor Adventure Club.
"The campus community is deeply saddened by the news of Darcy Quick's tragic death," said President James Bultman '63. "Darcy was a student who took full advantage of the academic and co-curricular programs at Hope. She engaged in many service activities at the college and the community that distinguished her attendance here. Darcy was highly respected, even admired, for her positive influence on others. She was educated and prepared to make a difference in the lives of others with her degree in social work. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time."
Student Congress President Bradley Matson reflected on Quick's friendliness, faith and commitment to service.
"The student body mourns the death of Darcy Quick, a beloved member of the Hope community," said Bradley Matson, a senior from Traverse City, Mich. "Darcy was known for her cheerful character, friendly attitude, and open personality. Darcy has been a valuable member of the Hope church body; actively participating in Bible studies, prayer meetings, and mission trips. Through her degree in social work and her biblical study she was well prepared to be a blessing to the world; however, we may take comfort knowing that she is now in a better place. She was a dear friend to many, including me, and I thank God for the time we had with her, during late-night Bible studies and mission trips. Darcy will be missed and admired for what she added to the Hope community."
Survivors include her parents, Tom and Eleanor Quick of Winfield; a sister, Amanda (Jeremy) Andrus of Zeeland, Mich.; and grandparents, Bob and Norma Quick of Sumner, Wash.