The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater suffered a loss on March 8 when Lauren Rockett died at age 18. The freshman from Milwaukee was studying history and coaching.
Her memorial service was held in her hometown on Saturday, March 29. To honor her, the flags at UW-W flew at half-staff on March 19. Vice Chancellor Kristin Fillhouer said that the university is “incredibly saddened” by the loss of the Warhawk family member.
Rockett was a graduate of Rufus King High School where she was part of the track and field team. According to her obituary, Rockett was multitalented with skills in hairstyling and dancing, along with a love for writing music.
“She was a great sibling to Alyssa and McKenzie,” Granturismo Yare commented on a tribute wall. “She also inspired many other people.”
Rockett is survived by her parents Erin and Marlon Rockett, four siblings, a niece, her grandparents, aunts and uncles. Her family, in a message in her obituary, thanked Rockett’s friends at Whitewater “for being her home away from home and continuously keeping a smile on her face in her everyday endeavors.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, the university has resources to help deal with mental health. University Health and Counseling Services offers free and confidential counseling to students. Whitewater employees can reach out for therapy and grief counseling through the Employee Assistance Program.
