College Student, 19, Killed After Being Shot Through the Floor at a House Party: ‘Quite Intentional’

A 19-year-old college student in Michigan has died after he was shot through the floor at a house party.

According to reports from local networks WOOD and FOX 17, Grand Valley State University student Connor Lotterman was shot at around 11 p.m. local time on Friday, May 9, during an incident at a home in Tallmadge Township, located west of Grand Rapids.

Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) deputies told the outlets that while the shooting is being considered accidental, investigators believe that a suspect, who was on the second floor of the home, fired a gun through the floor multiple times, and one bullet struck Lotterman in the head.

The house party consisted of about 10 to 20 people, and deputies believe all of the people present knew each other, the outlets reported.

“During that party, one of the subjects there ended up getting a hold of a firearm and fired multiple rounds from an upstairs bedroom down through the floor, through the ceiling,” Jake Sparks, captain of the Detective Bureau at the OCSO told FOX 17.

Sparks told WOOD that investigators also believe alcohol was a factor in the shooting.

“The shooting was quite intentional,” Sparks said. “Multiple rounds were fired. It wasn’t as if it were a one-shot accidental discharge. This was numerous rounds discharged. Although the result of the shooting led to an accidental death, this shooting was intentional.”

Lotterman was later transported to a local hospital, and an obituary states that he died one day later, on Saturday, May 10.

Ottawa County prosecutors are considering pursuing criminal charges against the shooter, a 20-year-old, Sparks told the outlets.

Grand Valley State University later spoke out about Lotterman’s death, telling the outlets in a statement: “The Grand Valley community is saddened by Connor’s tragic death.”

“On behalf of President Mantella, the Laker community extends our deepest sympathies to his family and friends,” GVSU Dean of Students Aaron Haight said. “Students may utilize the Care referral process and the University Counseling Center for support and resources during this difficult time. Faculty and staff can access mental health services via the Employee Assistance Program.”

Sparks also told WOOD that the fatal incident should serve as a reminder for firearms owners to store the weapons properly.

“If you have firearms that are out, lock them away, separate them from the ammunition,” he said. “Gun safes, trigger guards, trigger locks, all those things can be important to make sure nothing tragic happens.”