By Emma Agte
Three people were found deceased in their Cordata area home on Monday, Nov. 20 by the Bellingham Police Department. Tanya Rowe, 43, Benton Rowe, 5, and Kevin Rowe, 45, we re discovered in what police have determined is a homicide/suicide.
Police spokesperson Lt. Danette Beckley announced Monday that the public is not in any danger and no suspect is being pursued.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends during this time... We will be extremely limited in the release of details until we complete the investigation,” Beckley said.
Autopsy results released by police stated Kevin Rowe committed these acts against his wife and child before taking his own life, according to the statement.
Tanya Rowe worked in Western’s Office of Communications from March 1999 to June 2004, and also attended classes as a student working towards her master’s degree at this time.
Tanya served as Western’s coordinator of Newsbureau Media, a lecturer in the journalism department and assistant director of public information, Western’s Director of Communications Paul Cocke said in an email.
“We’re devastated by the news of Tanya’s death. Tanya was a hardworking, dedicated and resolutely kind human being,” Cocke said. “Tanya’s kindness and professionalism touched a lot of people at Western, where she is remembered with love.”
Tanya Rowe worked for Bellingham School District as their executive director of communications and community relations for the past 13 years, Superintendent Greg Baker said in a statement released Tuesday, Nov. 21.
Tanya loved her friends and family deeply, especially her son, with whom she enjoyed hiking, biking and beachcombing around the Pacific Northwest, Baker said.
“Tanya was an amazing leader, a skilled communicator and a dear friend and colleague,” Baker said. “Benton was a bright and curious child who loved being outside and had many friends throughout the Bellingham community. Their deaths are a profound loss to our school district and to our larger community.”
