Texas State University Releases Statement Regarding Iconic Village Apartment Fire Victims

More than 200 people were displaced by the fire that swept through the apartment complexes near campus. A number of services –– from ID replacements to counseling services –– are available to students affected by the fire.

The following statement was released by Texas State University officials regarding the recently identified victims of the Iconic Village Apartment Fire.

Three of the four victims that have been identified were students at Texas State University.

Dear Texas State University Community,

A short while ago, officials with the City of San Marcos announced the identities of four of the five victims of the fire at the Iconic Village apartments on July 20. The families have been notified, and I am deeply saddened to confirm that three are connected to Texas State University:

• Dru Estes of San Antonio, Texas was a History major. Dru was not enrolled for the Fall 2018 semester, but was classified as a Sophomore.

• Haley Frizzell of San Angelo, Texas was a Theatre major in her Sophomore year and enrolled to attend school this Fall.

• David Ortiz of Pasadena, Texas was an Exercise and Sport Science major in his Junior year and enrolled to attend school this Fall.

• James Miranda was identified but is not affiliated with the university.

As Dr. Trauth said in her message several days ago, this is a heartbreaking tragedy. We send our most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

More than 200 people were displaced by the fire that swept through the apartment complexes near campus. A number of services –– from ID replacements to counseling services –– are available to students affected by the fire.

These can be accessed via the following website link: http://safety.txstate.edu/emergency-communications.html and several dozen students have already done so.

The support and comfort accorded to them and everyone affected, has come from the San Marcos community and hundreds of people like you who have donated funds to assist in their recovery.

Thank you to those who have lent a helping hand, and if you are able to make a contribution to the Student Emergency Services fund to aid students, please do so by visiting this link:

https://donate.txstate.edu/crowdfunding?cfpage=project&project_id=21854

The university hosts Bobcat Pause every April to honor members of the campus community who have passed away. This event will serve as the official university memorial for those lost in this tragic event. In the meantime, please join me in extending our most comforting thoughts to the families and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joanne Smith, Vice President for Student Affairs