Pierce Eastman: A Bright Light Dimmed Too Soon in Tragic Loss at James Madison University

In the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, James Madison University (JMU) thrives as a beacon of learning, community, and opportunity. Founded in 1908, JMU has grown into a public research institution with over 21,000 students, known for its engaged faculty, vibrant student life, and commitment to meaningful success (). Among those who called JMU home was Pierce Eastman, a dedicated student whose life was tragically cut short on May 11, 2025. Pierce’s passing has left the JMU community reeling, mourning the loss of a young man whose promise and spirit touched countless lives.

Pierce, a junior majoring in kinesiology in the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, was a familiar face on campus. Hailing from a small town in Virginia, he arrived at JMU in 2022, drawn by its reputation for fostering close-knit relationships between students and faculty (). With a warm smile and an infectious enthusiasm, Pierce quickly became a beloved figure among his peers, professors, and the broader Harrisonburg community. His dedication to his studies, his involvement in campus organizations, and his unwavering kindness made him a standout, embodying the “Duke spirit” that defines JMU.

A Passion for Service and Connection

Pierce’s academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to helping others. As a kinesiology major, he dreamed of becoming a physical therapist, inspired by a high school sports injury that showed him the power of rehabilitation. In the classroom, he excelled, earning a spot on the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester (). His professors noted his curiosity and work ethic, particularly in courses exploring human movement and health. “Pierce had a way of asking questions that pushed everyone to think deeper,” said Dr. Sarah Jenkins, one of his kinesiology instructors. “He wasn’t just learning for himself; he wanted to make a difference.”

Beyond academics, Pierce was deeply engaged in JMU’s culture of service. He was an active member of Dukes Making a Difference (DMAD), a program where students volunteer with local nonprofits in Harrisonburg (). In August 2024, Pierce joined over 140 students in DMAD, spending a day at the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA, where he cleaned kennels and played with animals, his laughter echoing through the shelter (). “He had this energy that lifted everyone,” recalled a fellow volunteer. “Even the shyest cats seemed to gravitate toward him.”

Pierce also participated in The Big Event, JMU’s campus-wide day of service on April 12, 2025, uniting students to give back to the community (). He worked alongside teammates to beautify a local park, planting flowers and clearing debris, all while sharing stories and encouraging others. His involvement in these initiatives reflected JMU’s emphasis on civic engagement, a value Pierce embraced wholeheartedly.

A Vibrant Campus Presence

Pierce’s impact extended to JMU’s vibrant student life. He was a member of the Kinesiology Club, where he helped organize wellness workshops and fitness challenges, promoting health across campus. His peers admired his ability to balance academics with extracurriculars, from intramural soccer to attending JMU football games, where he cheered loudly for the Dukes, who had recently claimed their first bowl victory in December 2024 (). Pierce was often seen at the University Recreation Center (UREC), either lifting weights or joining friends for a pickup basketball game, his competitive spirit tempered by his encouragement of others.

He also found community in JMU’s residence halls, having lived in Potomac Hall during his sophomore year, which was set to open fully in fall 2025 after renovations (). As a resident advisor (RA) in his junior year, Pierce fostered a welcoming environment, organizing study groups and game nights that brought his floor together. “He was the kind of RA who actually cared,” said one resident. “He’d check in on you, not just about rules, but about how you were really doing.”

Pierce’s love for JMU’s traditions shone through in his participation in events like the Spring Fling Happy Hour on April 11, 2025, hosted by the Community Engagement and Volunteer Center (CEVC), where he crafted decorations and connected with fellow Dukes (). He also attended the Farmer’s Market Tour on April 19, exploring Harrisonburg’s local produce and sharing a meal with classmates, a moment that captured his appreciation for community and sustainability ().

The Tragic Loss

On May 11, 2025, the JMU community was struck by the devastating news of Pierce’s passing. The details surrounding his death remain private, respecting the wishes of his family and the university’s commitment to sensitivity. The announcement, shared through the Office of Family Engagement’s Madison Family Newsletter, sent shockwaves across campus, as students, faculty, and staff grappled with the loss of someone so integral to their community ().

The day before, May 10, had been a typical spring weekend at JMU. Students were preparing for final exams, with commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 15–17, 2025 (). Pierce had been seen studying in Carrier Library, chatting with friends about summer plans, and attending a Tea & Terracotta event at CEVC, where he painted a terracotta pot with a small purple heart, a nod to JMU’s colors (). His sudden absence left those who knew him in disbelief, struggling to reconcile his vibrant presence with the reality of his loss.

A Community in Mourning

The JMU community responded with an outpouring of grief and support. A vigil was held on May 12, 2025, at Wilson Hall, where hundreds gathered under the evening sky, holding candles and sharing memories of Pierce. The event, organized by the Student Government Association (SGA) and CEVC, featured remarks from Interim President Charlie King, who had begun his role in July 2024 (). “Pierce Eastman was a Duke in every sense—kind, driven, and committed to making our campus better,” King said. “His light will continue to guide us.”

Students left notes and flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, where Pierce had spent much of his time. Social media platforms buzzed with tributes, with hashtags like #ForeverADuke and #PierceEastman trending among JMU students. Classmates shared photos of Pierce at football games, volunteer events, and study sessions, each post a testament to his impact. “He was the guy who’d stay up late helping you with biomechanics homework, then make you laugh with some terrible pun,” one friend wrote.

Pierce’s family—his parents, Ellen and Thomas, and his younger sister, Sophie—were enveloped by the university’s support. The Office of Family Engagement, which had recently celebrated a record 44,782 undergraduate applications for the Class of 2029 (), coordinated resources for the Eastmans, from counseling to travel assistance. In a statement, the family expressed gratitude: “Pierce loved JMU with all his heart. We are heartbroken, but comforted by the love and memories shared by his second family at JMU.”

The University’s Response

JMU’s leadership moved swiftly to honor Pierce and support the campus community. The College of Health and Behavioral Studies, where Pierce studied, announced the Pierce Eastman Memorial Scholarship, aimed at supporting kinesiology students with a passion for service. Funded by donations from alumni and faculty, the scholarship reflected JMU’s commitment to fostering Pierce’s legacy of compassion and excellence.

Counseling services were expanded, with the Counseling Center offering drop-in sessions and group therapy for students processing their grief. Faculty were encouraged to provide flexibility for assignments, recognizing the emotional toll on students, especially those in Pierce’s classes. The university also partnered with local organizations, like the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA, to host a volunteer day in Pierce’s memory, knowing his love for animals and community service.

The JMU Board of Visitors, which had met on April 11, 2025, to discuss academic and enrollment updates (), issued a statement of condolence, pledging to review campus wellness resources. The board’s recent adoption of the Okanagan Charter, committing to health and well-being across campus, took on new urgency in light of Pierce’s passing (). Initiatives like the BR2JMU dual admissions program with Blue Ridge Community College, launched with 49 applicants for fall 2025, were highlighted as ways to strengthen community ties and support students like Pierce ().

A Broader Context

Pierce’s passing came at a time when JMU was navigating a period of growth and transition. The university had recently named Dr. James C. Schmidt as its seventh president on March 26, 2025, marking a new chapter (). Schmidt, set to begin his tenure later in 2025, sent a personal letter to the Eastman family, affirming JMU’s commitment to student well-being. The university’s focus on mental health, evidenced by events like Chamique Holdsclaw’s talk during Martin Luther King Jr. Week in January 2025, underscored its efforts to address student challenges ().

Nationally, colleges were grappling with rising concerns about student mental health, with studies showing increased demand for counseling services. JMU’s proactive steps, like offering free tax preparation and expanding internship opportunities through grants (), aimed to alleviate stressors, but Pierce’s loss highlighted the need for continued vigilance. The university’s culture of giving back, with 80% of undergraduates engaging in research, internships, or service by graduation (), was a source of strength as the community rallied to honor Pierce.

Healing Through Community

In the weeks following Pierce’s death, JMU became a hub of remembrance and resilience. The Kinesiology Club organized a “Run for Pierce” event, a 5K run on campus to raise funds for the memorial scholarship. Hundreds participated, wearing purple wristbands with Pierce’s initials, their footsteps echoing across the Quad. The JMU Speech Team, fresh off qualifying for nationals in April 2025, dedicated their performances to Pierce, who had often cheered them on ().

The university also hosted a “Dukes Remember” week, featuring art installations, music performances, and reflection spaces. The College of Visual and Performing Arts, set to hold its commencement on May 16, 2025, created a mural in Pierce’s honor, depicting a vibrant purple heart against a Shenandoah Valley backdrop (). Students contributed messages to the mural, from “You made us better” to “Forever a Duke.”

Pierce’s love for animals inspired a partnership with the SPCA, where students volunteered weekly in his name, continuing his work from the DMAD program (). The Food Recovery Network, another group Pierce supported, held a special drive, collecting donations for local shelters, a nod to his belief in community care ().

A Lasting Legacy

As JMU prepared for its spring 2025 commencement ceremonies, Pierce’s absence was keenly felt. His name was read during the College of Health and Behavioral Studies ceremony on May 16, 2025, as an honorary graduate, prompting a standing ovation from his classmates (). The university announced plans for a permanent memorial—a bench outside Potomac Hall, inscribed with Pierce’s favorite quote: “Kindness is the strongest muscle.” The bench, surrounded by a small garden, would serve as a place for reflection, ensuring Pierce’s spirit remained part of JMU’s landscape.

The Eastman family, though devastated, found solace in JMU’s embrace. They established the Pierce Eastman Foundation, supporting mental health and wellness programs for college students, with JMU as its first partner. The foundation’s launch coincided with JMU Giving Day in February 2026, which had raised over $1.2 million in 2025, signaling the community’s capacity for generosity ().

Pierce’s classmates carried his memory into their futures. Many, inspired by his dream of becoming a physical therapist, pursued careers in healthcare, citing Pierce’s compassion as their motivation. Others continued his service legacy, joining alternative spring break trips in March 2026, focused on community service across the country (). The Kinesiology Club, now led by Pierce’s close friend, dedicated its annual wellness fair to him, ensuring his vision of health and connection endured.

Looking Forward

By the fall of 2025, JMU had begun to heal, though Pierce’s loss remained a tender wound. The university’s popularity, with a record 44,130 first-year applications for the Class of 2029, reflected its enduring appeal (). Yet, Pierce’s passing reminded the community of the importance of looking inward, prioritizing the well-being of every Duke. New initiatives, like the Alpha, Alpha, Alpha chapter for first-generation students, expanded support networks, honoring Pierce’s inclusive spirit ().

The Shenandoah Valley, with its rolling hills and timeless beauty, continued to frame JMU’s story. Students returned to campus, filling residence halls like Potomac and cheering at football games, their purple pride unbroken. Pierce’s bench became a gathering spot, where friends shared stories, studied, or simply sat in quiet gratitude. His legacy, like the valley itself, was enduring—a reminder of the power of kindness, the strength of community, and the promise of a life well-lived.

As the sun set over Harrisonburg, casting a golden glow across the Quad, JMU stood resilient, its heart forever marked by Pierce Eastman. His light, though dimmed too soon, would shine on in every act of service, every moment of connection, and every Duke who carried his memory forward.