Western student found dead outside Gunnison

A Western State Colorado University student was found dead last week on Bureau of Land Management land eight miles east of Gunnison. The body of Dammion Heard, a freshman from Fort Worth, Texas, was found on Wednesday, April 2.
According to the Gunnison Police Department, the investigation into Heard’s death is ongoing and “no suspects are being pursued at this time.”

“The Western community is deeply saddened to learn today of the death of Western student Dammion Heard. Dammion was a vibrant and beloved member of the campus community, a great student and an accomplished athlete,” wrote Brad Baca Western State Colorado University interim president, in a press release. “Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends. The Gunnison Police Department has assured us that the circumstances surrounding Dammion’s death do not pose a danger to the campus community.”
Heard was a member of Western’s wrestling squad.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dammion,” Dr. Greg Waggoner, athletics director, said. “He was a valuable member of the Mountaineer family and we all extend our thoughts and prayers to the Heard family as they absorb the grief of this tragedy. As we process through some of life’s challenges that are difficult, it is important that this draws us closer as a family, especially as we support coach Van Hee and the wrestling team through this trying time.”
According to the university, Heard was a vital part to the 2013-14 Western wrestling team that won the RMAC Dual Title and RMAC/Region IV Championship. As the starting 125-pound wrestler, Heard went 10-12 with three falls this past season as a true freshman. Heard’s teammates will remember him for his drive and his heart while competing on the mat for the Mountaineers.
“We, the Mountaineer wrestling family, are devastated by the loss of Dammion and will miss him dearly,” Miles Van Hee, head wrestling coach, said. “His big personality touched everyone on the team and on campus. He made a big impact on our wrestling team, fans, family and friends that will last forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dammion’s family. He will forever ‘Be Heard.’ Thanks, Dammion.”
A collection box for cards and other expressions of sympathy will be placed in the main lobby of Paul Wright Gym and will be delivered to the family.
A memorial service to celebrate Dammion Heard’s life will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10 in Taylor Auditorium on Western’s campus.
The memorial service is open to everyone. Western’s student-run radio station, KWSB, will stream the event live over the Internet at www.kwsb.org.
If you or anyone you know has pictures of Dammion they would like to see at the memorial service, please send those pictures to athletics@western.edu with “Dammion Heard Memorial” in the email’s subject line.
The service will be followed by a candlelit procession to the University Center for refreshments at Mad Jack’s. Grief counselors will be made available on the second floor of the University Center during that time.