ITHACA, N.Y. – The Cornell University community is mourning two devastating losses after the deaths of a first-year student and a longtime staff member on Friday. The back-to-back tragedies have shaken the campus, leaving students, faculty, and administrators struggling to cope.
University officials confirmed that 18-year-old Joselyn Guadalupe Garcia, a member of the Class of 2029, was found dead early Friday morning in a campus residence hall. Her death has been described as an apparent suicide. Just hours later, the community received news that Michael Lenetsky, a senior department manager in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, died unexpectedly following a medical emergency.
In a statement shared with the College of Arts and Sciences, administrators expressed deep sorrow at the double loss. “Our deepest sympathy goes to Joselyn’s family, friends, instructors, and classmates,” the message read. “This news is especially challenging for the Arts and Sciences community, which is also experiencing the loss of a cherished staff colleague, Michael Lenetsky.” University leaders urged compassion and mutual support during what they described as an especially painful moment for the Cornell family.
Garcia, a native of Brooklyn, had recently begun her Cornell journey after graduating from Baruch College Campus High School. She was active in student government and community service and had participated in Cornell’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program. A first-generation college student, she was also part of the First at Cornell program, which supports students blazing new academic paths in their families. She intended to major in biological sciences with hopes of becoming a dentist. Loved ones remember her as ambitious, kind, and deeply dedicated to her future.
Lenetsky, meanwhile, was remembered as a respected and supportive leader who dedicated years of service to Cornell. As a senior department manager, he was praised for his commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for faculty, staff, and students alike. His sudden passing has left colleagues in shock, many describing his presence as a steady source of guidance and encouragement within the department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.
In response to the tragedies, Cornell has mobilized support services for students, staff, and faculty. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Dean of Students Office, and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program are providing immediate resources to help the community navigate grief. University officials stressed the importance of seeking support and leaning on one another as they remember Garcia and Lenetsky, whose lives left a lasting impact on those around them.