Brandon Rapp, a recent graduate of Eastern Michigan University
who was active in campus activities and made numerous friends
at EMU, died March 12 in a three-car crash in Pittsfield
Township. He was 25.
Rapp, of Clay Township, in St. Clair
County, earned a bachelor's degree in integrated science
teaching in December 2008. He also was recommended for
a teaching certificate. He was enrolled at Eastern from
fall 2002 through fall 2008. He worked in the Rec/IM, where
he was regarded as a top employee.
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Rapp |
"Brandon is an amazing person," said his girlfriend,
Stephanie Yetter, a student in the EMU College of Education. "He
was always willing to lend a hand and be there if someone
needed him."
Rapp was working as a substitute teacher for LLC Professional
Education Services. He graduated in 2002 from Anchor
Bay High School, where he was a member of the ROTC. He
also coached a baseball team for special needs children.
Yetter said Rapp could often improve her day simply
by telling her something funny that happened in school,
or by offering his trademark smile.
"He was the glue that held our Rec family together for
so long," she said. "I will miss him every single day."
According to state police, the crash occurred shortly
after 4 p.m. near Michigan Avenue when the driver of a
Dodge Durango crossed the median on U.S. 23 and hit Rapp's
car after colliding with a pickup truck. State police said
Rapp was wearing a seatbelt, according to media reports.
Rapp is survived by his parents, Robert and Ronette Rapp
of Clay Township; a brother, Michael and sister, Malissa,
also of Clay Township; his grandparents, Arlene Rapp of
Warren and Ronald (Alice) Mominee of Westmoreland, Tenn.;
and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him.
Any
student or staff member that wants to speak with a counselor
can call Counseling Services directly at 487-1118 and
indicate that it relates to the recent death of Rapp.
