Royal Oak Woman Found Dead On GVSU Campus: Police

ROYAL OAK, MI — The Royal Oak community is mourning the death of a former Royal Oak High School student who was found dead on the campus of Grand Valley State University over the weekend.

Taylor DeRose, a 2020 graduate of Royal Oak High School, was found dead over the weekend at GVSU, where she was a first-year student. Her cause of death has not been released, but authorities have said that it is "suspicious."

“We have learned of the tragic death of Taylor DeRosa, 2020 ROHS graduate," Royal Oak High School Principal Michael Giromini said in a statement Tuesday. "As we all struggle to process this news, our thoughts go out to Taylor’s family and friends. Taylor had an immensely positive impact on our community, and that influence will help us in our grieving process.

"Our staff is available to support students throughout the week. Students will soon receive a
message in their email that includes information about how to access support staff who are
available.”

DeRosa was majoring in international business and minoring in French, according to a GoFundMe page organized to raise money for her family. The page had raised nearly $28,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.

At GVSU, students are planning a candlelight vigil in DeRosa's memory, according to school officials. The vigil will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cook Carillon Tower on the Allendale Campus.

GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said in a statement that there is much unknown about DeRosa's death.

"Our Laker community continues to mourn one of our own, while authorities continue to investigate the suspicious death," the statement said. "The family of Taylor DeRosa is aware of the outpouring of concern for their loss. Taylor became part of our on-campus community as a first-year student this Fall semester. Our thoughts and prayers surround the DeRosa family during this tragic time."

Grand Valley Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Brandon DeHaan said the general public and campus community are not in danger and urged patience as detectives look into the death.

"We have a moral obligation not to spread misinformation that fuels unhelpful suppositions and may hamper the investigation," he said.

The Michigan State Police is assisting in the investigation, along with Ottawa County Sheriff's Department.

Editor's Note: Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.