July 31, 2019

The Faith community was devastated by the news of the passing of one of our students, Dalton Cottrell, Tuesday evening, July 30, 2019. Dalton was on his honeymoon in Florida with his bride and fellow Faith student, Cheyenne (Pernice-Hedrick), when he passed away in a drowning accident.

Dalton and Cheyenne were just married this past Saturday, July 27, at Eagle Heights Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. They were swimming near Crescent Beach on the northeast coast of Florida when a current pulled him out into deep waters. Lifeguards were there but were unable to save him.

Dalton was from Malcom, Iowa, and was a Pastoral Training major. He was a junior class representative for the Student Association, and he and Cheyenne had recently completed their junior years at Faith.

There will be a time of prayer and memorial at Fellowship Baptist Church (1503 SE 6th Street, Des Moines, IA), Dalton and Cheyenne’s local church, at 7:00 p.m. tonight with Pastor Dan Vance. All are welcome to attend.

Please keep the Cottrell family, Cheyenne, and the entire Faith family in your prayers as we work through the difficult days ahead. Visitation and funeral announcements will be posted on our Facebook page when they become available.

Statement from Dr. Jim Tillotson, President:

“Having just lost my mom a few weeks ago due to an accident, it was not advice that I needed but love, prayers, and support.  I would like to encourage Eagle Nation to pray for, love, and support both Cheyenne and Dalton’s family.  Let’s go heavy on love and light on advice. It is moments like this that Eagle Nation means the most.  May we do all we can to support all of them through this difficult time.”