Liberty University

Liberty University Student Dies on Hike With Friends

What to Know

  • Jonathan Veldhuyzen, 20, was killed in a hiking accident near Bedford.
  • Veldhuyzen's body face down in a small pool of water at the bottom of the trail.
  • Two months ago, another Liberty student was also killed while hiking.

Liberty University says one of its students died while hiking with friends along the Blue Ridge Parkway over the weekend.

Jonathan Veldhuyzen, 20, was killed in a hiking accident near Bedford on Sunday, the university said in a statement. 

Bedford Fire Capt. Matt Scott says Veldhuyzen was found dead in a body of water that evening at the Fallingwater Cascades National Scenic Trail.

Joseph McGowan, who had been hiking with the victim, told The News & Advance that Veldhuyzen journeyed ahead of their small group of friends.

McGowan said the friends found Veldhuyzen's body face down in a small pool of water at the bottom of the trail.

Fire officials say they are not sure if Veldhuyzen died due to trauma or drowning.

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Two months ago, another Liberty student was also killed while hiking. Dylan Engel died March 9 after falling about 75 feet from a trail at Apple Orchard Falls in Botetourt County, Virginia.

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