In memoriam: José Bautista, first-year student, College of Engineering
José Bautista, a first-year student in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, passed away on Saturday, April 19, in Beckley, West Virginia, following an automobile accident. He was 19 years old.
A native of Chesterfield, Virginia, Bautista was pursuing a degree in engineering and was a member of the Galileo living-learning community in Pritchard Hall, a community known for fostering academic excellence and a sense of belonging among engineering students.
The family is grateful for the support from the Hokie community.
“José was an incredible child — kind, respectful, and loving, as all his friends and family describe him. We were blessed to have him for 19 years and will miss him dearly. We can never express enough how extraordinary our son was. Thank you for all your prayers and displays of affection for José.”
Virginia Tech realizes that the death of a friend, teammate, or student is difficult, and we are here to offer our support.
Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 855-223-9277
- Aetna at 888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
- Sentara Health Plans Vantage HMO at 800-899-8174
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Housing Services at 540-231-6205
- Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
- Equity and Accessibility at 540-231-2010
- Women's Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806
- University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125
- Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573