MITCHELL, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan University is mourning the tragic and sudden loss of two former members of its baseball program, Reed Harter and Chandler Bakley.
Beloved Members of the Tiger Baseball Family
Both men were integral to the DWU baseball team, first as players and later as leaders within the program. Their passing has left the campus and athletic community in a state of grief.
Chandler Bakley had served as an assistant coach while completing his undergraduate studies, earning the respect of players and staff. Reed Harter was actively serving on the coaching staff as a volunteer assistant, dedicating his time to mentoring current student-athletes.
“Both men were beloved by the team and campus community,” the university stated in a release. “They are already dearly missed.”
A Campus in Mourning
The university has not disclosed the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The focus of the DWU community is on supporting the families, friends, and teammates of Harter and Bakley during this difficult time.
The university’s statement asked the public to keep the young men, their families, and all those affected by the tragedy in their thoughts and prayers.