NAMPA, Idaho — A tragic incident has struck the Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) community as one of its students, Serena Bennett, lost her life during a study trip in Ecuador. Bennett, a Wildlife Biology and Ecology major with a minor in Photography, was a recent 2025 Cum Laude graduate of NNU.
The heartbreaking event occurred on Sunday, May 18, during a dive trip off the coast of Ecuador. Bennett was among several students and faculty members participating in the dive. All participants were certified divers, having completed the necessary training before embarking on the trip.
As the situation unfolded, faculty, dive team members, and medical professionals responded promptly. The university is now focused on providing assistance and support to Bennett’s family, as well as to the students and faculty members who were present during the incident…