Editor's note: This article was updated Jan. 20, 2026, to update the location of the celebration of life and updated Jan. 26 and Jan. 20 to add additional options for memorial contributions.

Spencer Davis Woodson Forsling, a graduate student in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, passed away as the result of a tragic car-pedestrian accident on Dec. 3. He was 22 years old.

A graduate of Nease High School in Ponte Vedra, Florida, with an IB diploma, Forsling came to Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in engineering. In May 2025, he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer engineering with a major in space systems. 

Eager to further his education, Forsling was earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering with a focus on electromagnetics. He is fondly remembered by faculty in the SuperDARN research group, where he was a graduate research assistant, for his contributions to the space discipline as well as his positive disposition. 

“Spencer was such a lively, dynamic young man. He meant so much to us as an aspiring young scholar and team member,” said Mike Ruohoniemi, professor of electrical engineering. “I enjoyed advising him in research and having him as a student in my radar class. He made key contributions to our research on space weather and gave a presentation at a major scientific meeting as an undergrad.”

Bharat Kunduri, research associate professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, began working with Forsling in 2023 when he joined SuperDARN as a summer intern.

“Spencer has been an important part of our group and I always found him to be a very warm and kindhearted person. The news of his passing came as a shock, and he will be missed,” Kunduri said.

Spencer forsling poses with Hokie statue.
Spencer Forsling was involved with several organizations on campus including the Chinese American Society, Asian American Student Union, and Naturally Sharp A Cappella among others. Photo courtesy of Carl Forsling.

As an undergraduate, Forsling was actively involved in several student organizations, serving as events coordinator and videographer for the Chinese American Society, historian for the Asian American Student Union, as well as treasurer and most recently, president for Naturally Sharp A Cappella. He also served as a graduate assistant for the Student Success Center, where he helped coordinate the tutoring program.

Spencer worked for the APIDA+ (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) Center starting in the fall of 2023 and was an integral part of the Chinese American Society starting as a first-year student.

“There are no words to express this tremendous loss, not only to the APIDA community, but to everyone who knows Spencer,” said Nina Ha, director of the APIDA+ Center.

Outside of school and work, Forsling enjoyed growing plants, reading, photography, playing video games, making music, or adventuring and hiking with his friends.

He is survived by mother, Tommi Lee Woodson, and her fiancé John Swanson; father, Carl Forsling, and stepmother, Tara Forsling; sister, Amelia Forsling; grandparents Thomas Woodson '73 and Anne Woodson; godfather, Sam Johnston; and godmother, Ellen Pelton. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Don and Marilyn Forsling, and his maternal grandmother Sue-Chen Lee Woodson.

There will be a celebration of life in the Latham Ballroom within the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center on Jan. 31, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Spencer Davis Woodson Forsling Memorial (Undergraduate) Scholarship fund, the Spencer Forsling Graduate Fellowship Memorial Fund 861839, the Virginia Tech APIDA+ Center, and the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 

Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:



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