The Cornell University community is reeling after two deaths were reported on Friday, including that of a first-year student and a longtime administrator.
According to a university newsletter, Joselyn Guadalupe Garcia ’29 was found dead early Friday morning in a campus residence hall in what officials described as an apparent suicide. Garcia’s passing was reported just hours after the sudden death of Michael Lenetsky, a senior department manager in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, who suffered a medical emergency.
In a message to the College of Arts and Sciences community, administrators expressed profound grief:
“With tremendous sadness we write with the news that Joselyn Guadalupe Garcia ’29 was found dead in a campus residence hall early this morning. Our deepest sympathy goes to Joselyn’s family, friends, instructors and classmates. This news is especially challenging for the Arts and Sciences community, which is also experiencing the loss of a cherished staff colleague, Michael Lenetsky, who passed away this morning after a medical emergency.”
Remembering Joselyn Garcia
A native of Brooklyn, Garcia graduated from Baruch College Campus High School, where she was deeply involved in student government and numerous community service organizations. She was a first-generation college student who had participated in Cornell’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program this summer and was part of the inaugural cohort of the First at Cornell program, which supports first-generation students.
Garcia intended to major in biological sciences and had aspirations of becoming a dentist. She is survived by her parents and three younger siblings.
Remembering Michael Lenetsky
Lenetsky, remembered as a dedicated and supportive leader in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, was widely respected for his service to students and faculty alike. His sudden passing has left a significant void in the department and the broader Arts and Sciences community.
The university has urged students, faculty, and staff to seek support in the wake of the tragedies. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Dean of Students Office, and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program are available for those in need.
The back-to-back losses have left the Cornell community devastated, with administrators urging compassion and mutual support during this difficult time.
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