Michigan College Student Fatally Shot at House Party in Tallmadge Township

Grand Valley State University student Connor Lotterman died after being shot during a house party in Tallmadge Township, Michigan, on May 9, 2025

A 19-year-old engineering student from Grand Valley State University was fatally shot during a house party on May 9 in Tallmadge Township, Michigan. The victim, identified as Connor Lotterman, sustained a gunshot wound to the head after a 20-year-old man allegedly fired multiple rounds through the floor from an upstairs bedroom.

The incident occurred around 11 p.m. at a residence near 2nd Avenue and Lake Michigan Drive NW, an area with numerous businesses. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, approximately 10 to 20 individuals, all acquainted with each other, were present at the gathering.

The scene unfolded just after 11 p.m. in Tallmadge Township, Mich., 6 miles east of the school’s campus

Authorities reported that the shooter used his own loaded firearm to discharge several bullets through the floor, one of which struck Lotterman. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day, just days before his 20th birthday.

New York Post

Captain Jake Sparks of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office stated that while the death was ruled accidental by the county medical examiner, the act of firing multiple rounds was intentional. Alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the incident.

Lotterman was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but died on May 10, three days shy of his 20th birthday

The 20-year-old shooter, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, is under investigation, and prosecutors are considering potential criminal charges.

Lotterman, a resident of Tallmadge Township, was the youngest of five siblings and a graduate of Covenant Christian High School. He was pursuing an engineering degree at Grand Valley State University. The university community expressed deep sorrow over his tragic death, offering condolences to his family and friends.

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Officials say a 20-year-old suspected gunman unloaded several rounds from his own gun into the floorboards on the second floor as 10 to 20 people were partying inside

Memorial services were held in Hudsonville, and a funeral took place at Grace Protestant Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. The incident has prompted law enforcement officials to emphasize the importance of responsible firearm storage and the dangers of mixing alcohol with firearms.