Just days after celebrating a major academic achievement, a young graduate’s life was cut short during an overseas university trip, prompting an outpouring of grief from those who knew her both in the classroom and on the frontlines of animal rescue.

A recent graduate of Northwest Nazarene University (NNU), 21-year-old Serena Bennett, died during a study trip in Ecuador on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The incident occurred during a SCUBA diving trip off the coast, which involved multiple students and faculty members from the university.

According to an official Facebook statement posted by NNU on May 21, the university had sent eleven students and three faculty members to Ecuador for an academic experience.

Bennett, who majored in Wildlife Biology and Ecology and minored in Photography, had recently graduated Cum Laude as part of the class of 2025.

All individuals participating in the SCUBA dive had completed the required training and were certified divers prior to departing for Ecuador.

During the dive, an emergency unfolded. Faculty members, dive team personnel, and medical professionals immediately responded to the scene. Despite their efforts, Bennett lost her life during the incident.

In the days following the tragedy, NNU has offered support to Bennett’s family, and to the students and faculty involved in the trip. “The NNU community gathered together today to pray specifically for Bennett’s family and loved ones,” the university stated.

Dr. John Cossel Jr., Chair and Professor of the Biology Department at NNU, reflected on Bennett’s impact and character. “Serena loved Jesus and she loved nature,” Cossel wrote.

He noted her deep interest in marine life, particularly Orca whales, and her adventurous spirit, highlighting her past work in Florida on shark and stingray conservation. Bennett had also studied abroad in New Zealand, making her one of the first NNU students to do so through the Creation Care Study Program.

Dr. Cossel also shared memories of Bennett’s dedication to teaching. She once helped middle school students understand complex topics such as photosynthesis and was involved in education programs through the Aquarium of Boise.

Whether dressed as a mascot or engaging kids about fish, her passion for wildlife education was evident. Her love for photography added to her efforts, often capturing classmates in natural settings.

Chadwick Pearsall, Director of Global Connections at NNU, also reflected on Bennett’s academic journey. He noted that in the summer of 2023, she conducted fieldwork through the Au Sable Institute at their Pacific Rim campus in Washington state.

She later studied in Kaikoura, New Zealand, during the fall of 2024. In an email sent from New Zealand, Bennett described the environment as “absolutely beautiful,” mentioning her frequent visits to a nearby fur seal colony.

Pearsall recalled a meeting in which Bennett recognized a rescue dog he mentioned from Lake Lowell Animal Rescue.

She had worked with the animal before its adoption and reacted with joy when shown photos of the dog in its new home. “Serena took every opportunity to travel, study nature, and be in and care for God’s creation,” Pearsall added.

NNU’s public statement also reminded the community to care for one another during this time of loss. It concluded by encouraging collective compassion, stating, “Let us find comfort in knowing that God works through us in our expressions of compassion and love throughout our community.”

As news of Bennett’s passing reached her broader community, many who had known and worked closely with her shared messages of grief and remembrance.

Lake Lowell Animal Rescue (LLAR), where Bennett volunteered for over four years, released a heartfelt Facebook post on May 21.

The organization described the difficulty of expressing their emotions, “Even if we could use all the words in the world, they could not come close to being enough.”

Bennett, who began as a cleaner at the rescue, quickly became a cornerstone of the organization’s operations. Over time, she took on administrative roles, coordinated events, arranged foster transports, and handled various day-to-day duties.

LLAR described her as “utterly fearless,” recalling how she would crawl under houses to rescue kittens or dig through dangerous debris in the course of animal rescue missions.

According to the post, Bennett was present for nearly every major rescue project in recent years, always volunteering for difficult tasks regardless of the time or conditions. She was also actively involved in fostering a wide range of animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, and more.

The rescue team emphasized her selflessness, noting how she brought food and snacks for the team, remembered birthdays, and consistently put others first.

“You made a real difference in so many lives—both human and animal,” the post read. They described her impact as “indelible,” stating that she would never be forgotten.

In light of her passing, LLAR temporarily closed its operations to grieve. The organization announced that it would remain closed until Friday as it worked through the loss and began considering ways to honor Bennett’s memory.

Family members also expressed their sorrow online. In a May 24 post, Crystal Amber Bryant-Curasi shared that the family received the “surprising and horrible news” on Sunday.

Bennett, who had just celebrated her birthday and graduated from NNU, was remembered by her aunt as someone who “told me silly stories, sent me beautiful pictures,” and held a special place in her wedding party. She urged others to “please pray for her family as they continue to grieve this enormous loss.”

Bennett’s passing has left a profound void in the communities she touched, from her university and academic circles to the rescue organization where she served with dedication. As loved ones, colleagues, and peers mourn her loss, they also honor the lasting impact of her compassion, commitment, and service.