Don Butler, interim associate vice president for public safety and chief of police, and Ginger Ambler, senior vice president for student affairs & public safety, sent the following messages to the campus community on Oct. 17, 2024. They have been corrected to reflect the student’s chosen name. – Ed.

Dear William & Mary Community, 

It is with profound sadness that I write to inform you of the unexpected death of a student, Rose Way, a senior from Chesterfield, VA. Rose’s family has been notified. No foul play is suspected.  

A graduate of Manchester High School in Midlothian, VA, Rose was a data science major at W&M with a concentration in algorithms. Rose was an active member of our campus community. Their many involvements on campus included the Skateboarding Club, WCWM 90.9 FM Radio, the Tabletop Roleplaying Games Club, Science Fiction & Fantasy Club, Costuming Club and Anime Club.    

At this time of grief and sudden loss, please know there are resources available for anyone who needs them. Staff in Care Support Services Office, the Counseling Center, campus ministers, and my office are available. The Counseling Center will remain open today through 8:00 p.m. with counselors on site.  Counselors may be reached anytime by phone at 757-221-3620, or you may access a variety of services through TimelyCare, including 24/7 on-demand emotional support, counseling and guided self-care. 

Once Rose’s family shares information about memorial arrangements, I will write again to share it with you. 

We express our deepest gratitude to Williamsburg Police, William & Mary Police, Williamsburg Fire Department, York County Department of Fire & Life Safety, Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for assisting and supporting our community through their response.  

This is a heartbreaking loss for our community. Moments like this remind us of how connected we are with one another at William & Mary.  I know you join me in extending deepest sympathies to Rose’s family and friends.  

Sincerely,  
Ginger Ambler

Missing student: Seeking your assistance

Dear William & Mary community,

A search is underway for a William & Mary student, 21-year old Rose Way, who was last seen on Ukrop Way at approximately 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. Rose is 6-foot-2, weighs approximately 140 pounds, and has hazel eyes and brown hair with a blonde streak. They were last seen wearing a black and pink ripped sweater, black acid-washed jeans, and white Vans shoes. Rose is not considered a danger to others.

If anyone has knowledge of Rose’s whereabouts or any information that may assist police, please contact the Williamsburg Police Department at 757-220-2331.

The police are in close contact with Rose’s family. I know you join us in extending care and support to Rose’s friends and family as the search continues.

Sincerely,

Don Butler 

Interim AVP for Public Safety and Chief of Police

Ginger Ambler

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs & Public Safety