Ethan ChapinHis mother spoke of how her family coped with the horrific and senseless death.
Of course, the 20-year-old is one of the four University of Idaho students (pictured above together) died on November 13 at an off-campus home near the Moscow, Idaho campus. As already reported, he is 28 years old Bryan Kohberger accused of Chapin’s Murder, together with Madison Mogen21, Xana Kernodle20, and Kaylee Goncalves21, at his home in the morning.
Related: Watch Idaho Murder Victim Talk to Police In Newly Released Bodycam Footage
Since then, Chapin’s family and other loved ones in the group have experienced unimaginable grief. And on Wednesday afternoon, Ethan’s mother Stacy Wells Chapin (pictured above, with his wife Jim) provides some insight into the process.
In touch Facebook Posting about the aftermath of her son’s murder, Stacy showed an inspiring level of optimism and resilience in the face of overwhelming grief. For one, he told Ethan’s other two brothers – Maisie and Hunter – has returned to the University of Idaho for the spring semester. Stacy also thanked him Moscow Police Department with Idaho State Police for “deep” support at this terrible time:
“We’ve spent the last eight weeks, except for the obvious, focusing on Maizie and Hunter. Cards, talks, walks, hikes, tears, you name it. Yesterday, we successfully placed them back at the University of Idaho. Hunter is very happy to be back at fraternity and Maizie are warming up to the idea but it’s great to hear all the girls squeal with delight when they see them. This mom’s heart is happy to hear!! The support from the University of Idaho and MPD/ISP has been overwhelming. Maizie and Hunter are rock stars and we couldn’t be more proud of him. His job now is just to be a kid. Start where he left off. Keep your goals and aspirations.”
Very well said.
Regarding Ethan’s case, Stacy updates her friends on how her late son’s belongings are “now frozen with the defense.” She also offers insight into her family’s complicated emotions as they push to move forward as best they can:
“To update, everything we/Ethan has now been frozen with the defense. For us, it includes two vehicles, things E and a good golf club. We have met with the prosecutor, handling media inquiries (hopefully respectfully) , organize, grieve, talk and continue to try and process the new normal. However, nothing changes. We don’t spend time angry. That will be energy that is not used well and still will not change the result. We have to look ahead. “
Then he gave an inspiring account of his son’s wonderful personality and infectious energy:
“What we have confirmed … Ethan is who he is because of our family. His foundation is unshakable. He loves so much that he knows no difference. He is very supportive and our family of five is different from any other and very special. He loves unconditionally, he is loyal to everything, he’s included, likes, dislikes, just the best person you could ever meet. The stories are endless and amazing. He touches lives that we don’t even know about. Ethan is amazing.”
wow What a beautiful tribute.
She wraps up with more gratitude for the support she has received from her loved ones over the past two months:
“We did a good job. We will continue to do a good job. And as always, we are always grateful for so many of you. We can’t answer all your notes, but we read them all, and your kindness and support means the world to us. us.
And he closed with a poignant quote from Yale University professor and philosopher Nicholas P. Wolterstorff. It reads:
“And I will allow the memories to make me better with all that is alive.”
Very, very powerful.
Related: Everything We Know About Idaho Murder & Suspect Bryan Kohberger
And here is even more than Stacy, through a KREM 2 News interview, on Thursday afternoon. In that conversation, he notes how the scholarship he set up as a memorial to Ethan has raised more than $100,000 for students:
It was wonderful to see Stacy and her family show incredible resilience during this unimaginable time. We send all the love and support we can, and the families, friends, and loved ones of other victims.
[Image via Kaylee Goncalves/Instagram/KREM 2 News/YouTube]