Dear Dartmouth community members,
We are profoundly saddened to share the news of a death in our community. Ryan Lafferty ’26 passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 13. As a community, we recognize that this loss may be felt most deeply by those who were closest to Ryan. We have extended our sincere condolences to his family and are keeping his friends and all those who knew and loved him in our thoughts.
Ryan was a fiercely intelligent and deeply kind person who gave generously of his time, expertise, and resources. As a member and president of the Dartmouth Parliamentary Debate team—which he considered his true home at Dartmouth—Ryan competed and earned recognition at the highest levels, including winning Nationals and the World Universities Debating Championships. His friends say that these accomplishments were rooted in a true love of learning and genuine care that he extended to others. For example, Ryan spent hours with first-year debate team members, pouring over their cases to help coach and mentor them.
We were told that Ryan’s curiosity and the space he held for others extended well beyond debate, connecting with students around the world during a Foreign Study Program in London, and offering support whether people approached him in states of joy or in sadness. Beyond his numerous accomplishments, Ryan brought warmth, humor, and creativity everywhere he went, making people feel seen and welcome.
In this difficult moment, we encourage you to extend grace and empathy to one another. Dartmouth’s student support resources—which include 24/7 counseling—and our faculty/employee assistance program are available to help anyone who needs support.
For students on campus, the Counseling Center is offering walk-in hours on the second floor of the Collis Center.
- Monday, April 13 from now until 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 14 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 15 from 9-10:30 a.m., 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 4-5 p.m.
- Thursday, April 16 from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
The Dartmouth flag will be lowered in recognition of Ryan’s passing. Plans to gather as a community to honor his memory will be shared at a later date. Any notes or condolences will be collected at the Tucker Center and we will be sure to get those to Ryan’s family.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Rosales
Senior Vice President for Community and Campus Life
Chief Student Affairs Officer
Anne Hudak
Interim Dean of Undergraduate Student Affairs
School of Arts and Sciences