In what was described as a tragic accident, 19-year-old Connor Steven Lotterman, a male engineering student at Grand Valley State University, died on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The incident that led to his death occurred the previous evening, Friday, May 9, at a house party in Tallmadge Township, a community situated west of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Lotterman was born in Grand Rapids on May 13, 2005.
On the night of the incident, Lotterman was attending a party with approximately 10 to 20
other people. At around 11 p.m., a 20-year-old male who was on the second floor of the residence discharged a firearm multiple times through the floor. One of the bullets struck Lotterman, who was on the first floor, in the head. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the shooting. While the death is being considered the result of an accidental shooting, investigators have noted that the discharge of the firearm was an intentional act. Authorities have indicated that the suspect fired the gun multiple times. The Ottawa County prosecutor is reportedly considering criminal charges against the 20-year-old shooter. Grand Valley State University issued a statement expressing sadness over the tragic death of their student and extended sympathies to his family and friends.
