A tragic incident unfolded in Tallmadge Township, Michigan, when a 19-year-old college student was fatally shot at a house party. Connor Lotterman, an engineering student at Grand Valley State University, was the unintended victim of a shooting that authorities have described as deliberate.
The incident occurred on May 9, just after 11 p.m., at a location approximately six miles east of the university campus. Lotterman was struck by a bullet that had been fired through the floor from an upstairs bedroom. The party was attended by 10 to 20 people at the time of the shooting.
According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the suspected shooter, a 20-year-old male, fired multiple rounds from his firearm into the floorboards. Captain Jake Sparks of the Sheriff’s Office stated that the shooting was not accidental, as multiple rounds were discharged. However, he noted that Lotterman’s death was unintentional, a tragic outcome of the reckless act.
Lotterman was immediately rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries the following day, just three days before his 20th birthday.
The coroner’s office ruled the death as accidental, with alcohol suspected to have played a part in the incident. Captain Sparks urged caution, stating that firearms and alcohol are a dangerous combination. He expressed his belief that the tragic incident could have been avoided had these elements not been present.
The identity of the suspected shooter has not been released as authorities are considering potential criminal charges related to the fatal shooting.
Lotterman, the youngest of five siblings, is survived by his parents, siblings, grandparents, and several nieces and nephews. His sister, Marielle Lotterman, posted a heartfelt tribute to her younger brother on social media, expressing her gratitude for the 20 years they had together.
At the time of his death, Lotterman was in his second year at Grand Valley State University. The university community expressed their sorrow over the tragic loss. Dean of students, Aaron Haight, extended the university’s deepest sympathies to Lotterman’s family and friends.