Pierre Damas Bel Passes Away in Tragic Interstate 70 Incident

Pierre Damas Bel Remembered by Springfield Community Following Interstate 70 Tragedy

A twenty-year-old student whose college journey had just begun is being mourned across the campus and the wider Springfield community this week. Brady announced late Tuesday that Pierre Damas Bel passed away Monday morning following a tragic incident on Interstate 70.

Bel had been recruited by the Wittenberg men’s soccer team and considered playing for the program, though university officials noted he appeared to have just started his collegiate studies at Wright State University. Despite his collegiate affiliation, campus leaders emphasized that Bel was a valued member of the broader Springfield community whose sudden death touches the entire area.

Campus leaders, athletic staff, and admissions personnel who interacted with Bel during his recruitment process are grieving the loss alongside his family. Head Coach Dwight Burgess and members of the men’s soccer team connected with Bel during his recruitment, establishing ties that have left the athletic department deeply shaken.

Soccer Team Plans Moment of Silence Today

The men’s soccer team plans to hold a moment of silence during its first game of the season at 5 p.m. today. Earlier in the day, Pastor Nathan led prayers and remembered Bel and his family during campus chapel time from 12 p.m. to 12:20 p.m.

University officials noted that support services remain available for students, faculty, and staff processing the tragedy. Students can access counseling through the Tiger Counseling Center and the newly established Office of Campus Ministries. Meanwhile, faculty and staff have access to support via the Employee Assistance Plan.

In a message to the campus community, President Brady offered a pastoral prayer for the mourning family: “Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”