Biola Mourns the Loss of Student

January 17, 2015

Dear Biola Community,

I am deeply grieved to inform you of the death of a dear student, Hasiet Joy Negash, who passed away on Jan. 15 while on a Student Missionary Union trip to India. Joy had been serving with a team of seven other students when she succumbed to asthma-related breathing difficulties.

We mourn this tragedy as a community, and join together to grieve with all who loved her. Joy was a young woman whose love for Jesus Christ was deep and abiding, evidenced by her desire to cross cultures and continents to see lives transformed by the gospel. She was involved at Biola in Student Orientation Services and Multi-Ethnic Programs and Development, and served as an ambassador with the admissions department. We take comfort in the fact that she is with her Savior now.

Please join me in praying for Joy’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as the other seven members of her student missions team, who are returning early from India. Counseling services will be available to students by contacting Student Development.

A public tribute will take place after students return to campus for the spring semester.

In Christ,

Barry H. Corey