Tragic and devastating is all the community can say after the Bellingham School District communications director Tanya Rowe and her son Benton were killed by her husband, Kevin Rowe. Kevin was Benton’s father, he committed suicide after murdering the two.
Friend and colleague at the Bellingham School District, J. Marie Riche, tells KOMO she feels numb after learning Tanya died in what police are calling a murder-suicide.
Police Lieutenant Mike Johnston says their hearts go out to family and friends.
Western Washington University, where Tanya worked for a time, says she was, “a hardworking, dedicated and resolutely kind human being,” and her, “kindness and professionalism touched a lot of people at Western, where she is remembered with love.”
Bellingham Schools Superintendent Greg Baker says they “will deeply miss her” and remember her son, Benton, who was a kindergartner at Wade King Elementary, loved being outside and had many friends in the community.
Tanya’s friend, Riche, says the community’s outpouring of love and support is no surprise.
Counselors and support staff will be on hand Wednesday and after the holiday at Wade King and the District Office.
No details are available at this time about a potential memorial.