Lauren McCluskey was a 21-year-old honors student and track athlete at the University of Utah, tragically murdered on October 22, 2018. Born on February 12, 1997, in Berkeley, California, she moved to Pullman, Washington, in August 1998 when her parents, Matt and Jill McCluskey, joined Washington State University as professors.
From a young age, Lauren was known for her intelligence and athleticism. She excelled in track and field, setting numerous Junior Olympic records and earning All-American honors 19 times. At the University of Utah, she specialized in multi-events and high jump, achieving a 3.77 GPA and earning PAC-12 and MPSF All-Academic honors.
In the fall of 2018, Lauren began receiving threatening messages from her ex-boyfriend, Melvin Rowland, a 37-year-old registered sex offender. Despite reporting the harassment to campus police multiple times, her concerns were dismissed. On the night of October 22, while on the phone with her mother, Lauren was abducted and fatally shot by Rowland in a campus parking lot. Rowland died by suicide shortly afterward.
In the aftermath, the McCluskey family filed lawsuits against the University of Utah, alleging negligence and mishandling of Lauren’s case. In October 2020, the university reached a $13.5 million settlement with the family, which included a $3 million donation to the Lauren McCluskey Foundation.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Early Years
Born on February 12, 1997, in Berkeley, California, Lauren McCluskey was the first child of Matt and Jill McCluskey. Her parents were both academics; her mother is a Regents Professor in Economics, and her father is a physics professor at Washington State University. The family moved to Pullman, Washington, in August 1998 when her parents joined the faculty at Washington State University.
Siblings and Pets
Lauren had a younger brother, Ryan, with whom she shared a close bond. She was also an animal lover, having two beloved cats named Fuzzy and Victory.
Education and Athletic Career
High School Achievements
Lauren graduated with honors from Pullman High School in 2015. She was a standout athlete, setting the school record in the 100-meter hurdles and winning the Washington State High School Championship in high jump. Additionally, she placed ninth in the heptathlon at the U.S. Junior Championships.
College Life at the University of Utah
After high school, Lauren accepted a track and field scholarship at the University of Utah, where she competed in the multi-events and high jump. She maintained a 3.77 GPA and earned PAC-12 and MPSF All-Academic honors. Lauren was also known for her involvement in campus activities, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Capital Church in Salt Lake City.
Personal Life and Personality
Interests and Hobbies
Beyond athletics, Lauren had a vibrant personality. She enjoyed singing, dancing, and even stand-up comedy. Her friends and teammates described her as kind, thoughtful, and deeply empathetic. Lauren was also a Christian and actively participated in religious and community events.
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The Incident and Tragic Death
Relationship with Melvin Rowland
In the summer of 2018, Lauren met Melvin Rowland, a 37-year-old man who presented himself as a 28-year-old student named Shawn Fields. They dated briefly, but Lauren ended the relationship upon discovering that Rowland was a registered sex offender on parole. Despite the breakup, Rowland continued to harass and stalk her.
Attempts to Seek Help
Lauren reported the harassment to University of Utah police multiple times, but her concerns were not adequately addressed. In the days leading up to her death, she and her mother contacted campus police over a dozen times seeking assistance. However, the university failed to take appropriate action.
Final Moments
On the evening of October 22, 2018, while on the phone with her mother, Lauren was abducted and fatally shot by Rowland in a campus parking lot. Rowland died by suicide shortly afterward.
Legal Actions and Settlement
Lawsuits Filed
In the aftermath of Lauren’s death, her parents filed lawsuits against the University of Utah, alleging negligence and mishandling of their daughter’s case. They contended that the university’s failure to act on Lauren’s reports of harassment contributed to her death.
Settlement Agreement
On October 22, 2020, the University of Utah announced a $13.5 million settlement with the McCluskey family. The settlement included a $10.5 million payment to the family and a $3 million donation to the Lauren McCluskey Foundation. The university also pledged to implement changes to improve campus safety, including renaming its Center for Violence Prevention to the McCluskey Center for Violence Prevention.
Legacy and the Lauren McCluskey Foundation
Foundation’s Mission
Established by Lauren’s parents, the Lauren McCluskey Foundation aims to promote campus safety, particularly concerning dating violence and stalking. The foundation’s initiatives include advocacy, policy reform, and educational programs. One of its key programs, “Lauren’s Promise,” encourages individuals to listen and believe those who report threats.
Conclusion
Lauren McCluskey’s life and legacy serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing dating violence and stalking on college campuses. Her story has sparked significant changes in university policies and has inspired many to take action in promoting campus safety.
FAQs
What was Lauren McCluskey’s major at the University of Utah?
Lauren majored in Communication.
How did Lauren McCluskey die?
She was abducted and fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend, Melvin Rowland, on October 22, 2018.
What was the settlement amount in the lawsuit filed by Lauren’s parents?
The University of Utah agreed to a $13.5 million settlement, which included a $10.5 million payment to the family and a $3 million donation to the Lauren McCluskey Foundation.
What is the mission of the Lauren McCluskey Foundation?
The foundation aims to promote campus safety, focusing on preventing dating violence and stalking through advocacy, policy reform, and educational programs.
Did Lauren McCluskey report the harassment she experienced?
Yes, she reported the harassment to University of Utah police multiple times, but her concerns were not adequately addressed.
What was Lauren McCluskey’s GPA at the time of her death
She maintained a 3.77 GPA.
What other activities was Lauren involved in at the University of Utah?
She was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and participated in religious and community events.
How has Lauren McCluskey’s story influenced campus safety policies?
Her tragic death has led to increased awareness and reforms aimed at improving campus safety and addressing issues related to dating violence.
