BLACKSBURG, Va. — The Virginia Tech and Cristo Rey Richmond High School communities are mourning the death of José Bautista, a student from Chesterfield County.
Bautista, 19, died as a result of an April 19 crash in West Virginia, according to the university.
"José was an incredible child—kind, respectful, and loving, as all his friends and family describe him," the Bautista family said in an article posted on the Virginia Tech website. "We were blessed to have him for 19 years and will miss him dearly. We can never express enough how extraordinary our son was. Thank you for all your prayers and displays of affection for José."
Bautista, a freshman, studied engineering during his time at Virginia Tech and was a member of the Galileo living-learning community in Pritchard Hall.
Cristo Rey Richmond High School remembered Bautista as a "very intelligent, determined young man."
"[He] accomplished his dream of attending Virginia Tech (with a full-ride scholarship, no less). He was finishing up his freshman year there and already planning his coursework this summer to prepare for sophomore year," a school spokesperson shared. "José will be remembered fondly by all who had the opportunity to meet, know, and love him. His kindness, humor, leadership, and true grit touched so many lives. Our prayers and thoughts remain with José’s family and friends during this very difficult time."
The Cristo Rey community held a private prayer service after school on Tuesday and set up a memorial altar in the Cristo Rey Chapel for anyone who would like to visit.
The Cristo Rey family offers their deepest condolences to the Bautista and Castro families on the passing of their beloved José. His time with us was too short, but his impact was immeasurable."
Virginia Tech offered the following resources for students following this sudden loss:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
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