ROYAL OAK HIGH GRAD FOUND DEAD
GVSU freshman’s cause of death not ‘fully determined’
Taylor DeRosa, 18, of Royal Oak has been identified as the student at Grand Valley State University whose body was found Saturday in what is being reported as a suspicious death.
DeRosa’s body was found by a runner near athletic fields of the GVSU campus in Allendale, a city in Ottawa County.
GVSU Police department in a statement Tuesday said DeRosa’s family asked that her name be released.
The investigation of DeRosa’s death is continuing and the cause of death has not “been fully determined,” police said.
“Brandon DeHaan, director of public safety and chief of police said it appears at this time that the general public or campus population is not in danger,” the statement said. “DeHaan urged the campus community to be patient, not rush to any conclusions and stop spreading false information, particularly on social media.”
Police in the statement went on to say: “Truthful and accurate updates will come from police authorities and the university when appropriate.”
Police from the university, and the Ottawa
County Sheriff’s office did not return phone calls from the Tribune this week. The Ottawa County Medical Examiner’s office would not release any information Tuesday related to the cause or manner of death.
DeRosa was a 2020 graduate of Royal Oak High School and played on the Girls Varsity Lacrosse team, and was active in the Interact Club and Spirit Club. She was on the school’s homecoming court in 2019.
She was involved during her years in high school with Students Demand Action, part of a national movement for gun control, and was a student volunteer on a local political campaign for Belem Morales, who unsuccessfully sought election to the City Commission last year.
“I knew immediately she was a star,” recalled Morales, an attorney. “She was incredible … When we had campaign meetings I always waited for her insight and opinions when making decisions because she was so smart. The world is darker without her … her light will be greatly missed. “
Lindsay Warren, a Royal Oak mother, was part of the Moms Demand Action anti-gun violence group associated with the Students Demand Action group that DeRosa was involved in. Warren is orga
nizing an outdoor, socially distanced candlelight vigil for DeRosa expected to take place at 7 p.m. Friday once a location is finalized.
“You know how some people have a light about them,” Warren said. “Taylor brought happiness wherever she went and lit up a room.”
DeRosa’s mother, Carolyn DeRosa, raised her daughter as a single parent. A GoFundMe site for Taylor DeRosa’s memorial expenses is set up.
According to the gofundme listing, Taylor DeRosa was a passionate person who advocated for gun control, Black Lives Matter, women’s rights and efforts focused on equality.
“Taylor had a immensely positive impact on our community and that influence will help us in our grieving process,” said Royal Oak High School Principal Michael Giromini in a statement from Royal Oak Schools on Tuesday. “Our thoughts go out to Taylor’s family and friends.”
Staff is available at the school to support students for the rest of the week, he added.