Responsibility in the wake of tragedy
I was with students, emergency responders and university officials when the Isabella County Dive Team pulled Michael Hartnett's body from the water.
We stood on a line of police tape together until the sun went down, grappling with confusion, fear and the hollow numbness that comes with realizing a young man lost his life on our campus.
Today's edition of Central Michigan Life brings back all of those feelings, and I do not expect it to be an easy read for anyone at Central Michigan University.
As the reporter covering this from the beginning, I just want to say to the family and friends of Michael Hartnett: I am sorry for your loss. I hope you understand our coverage.
I cannot begin to imagine what losing someone you love in such a public manner feels like. As a facilitator of this publicity, I think it is important to explain why this coverage is important.
This series was not conceived to stir up controversy. We are not exploiting pain for hits to our website, meaningless journalism awards, advertising revenue or a claim to fame. We are not doing this to cast blame or cause those who loved Michael to endure more suffering in the public eye.
A young man died on our campus, and it is my personal responsibility to make sure no one forgets why.
I do not believe in senseless death. Tragedy has the potential to make us all come together in incredible ways and make us question the way things are.
I do not have the right to speak for Michael or his family and friends. I cannot say what his death has brought them.
But I have to believe that I live in a world where this man died so that others could be reminded how fragile life is and to take care of one another.
To students: This issue of CM Life is about underage drinking. However I will not pander to you. I am not telling you how to live your life.
As a journalist I also have a responsibility to tell you the truth, to inform you about an issue in your community and let you think for yourself.
I am only telling you one thing.
Do not forget Michael Hartnett.
