Student’s Tragedy Sparks Safety Initiative at Lake Chapin

A new safety warning sign has been installed near Lake Chapin in Berrien Springs, an effort led by sophomore Jesse Junior Lufafa, in honor of his friend Micah Harris. The sign was unveiled at the lake earlier this semester following several months of planning and collaboration with the university and local officials.

Now standing at Wolf’s Prairie Park, the sign serves as both a warning and a reminder, urging visitors to approach the water with caution with hopes of preventing a repeat of past tragedies. 

Lufafa initiated this project after witnessing the drowning of Harris in October. While the lake had appeared calm to him and his friends, the conditions beneath the surface proved to be far more dangerous. This experience raised concerns for Lufafa, especially after learning about another accident that had happened in the same location five years earlier. 

“I thought, at the very least, people should know what they’re walking into,” Lufafa said. “If we had known, we would’ve made different choices… like staying closer together, or wearing life jackets.” He began developing a plan in December to install a warning sign at the site.

Lufafa worked closely with university staff and local officials, navigating a complex approval process that involved Berrien Township authorities, police, fire departments and Campus Safety. He said getting it approved was what took the longest. “It took about a month just meeting with stakeholders and explaining the idea,” he said. “There are a lot of legal procedures when you’re putting something permanent in a public space.” 

With the help of many, including Frances Faehner, vice president for student life, Kristin von Maur from the architecture department, and Ben Panigot from Campus Safety, Lufafa refined his design and secured approval. The whole process took about four and a half months from the initial concept to the final installation of the sign.

While officials were supportive of the project, one request was reconsidered. Lufafa initially hoped to include a tribute to Micah on the sign, but the township representatives declined. “They explained that multiple people had died there,” he said. “Recognizing one person could lead to requests to include others, which wouldn’t be feasible.” Instead, he was offered an alternative way to honor his friend, which was the opportunity to install a memorial tree or bench at the park.

Despite the compromise, Lufafa remains grateful for the support he received and proud of the outcome. “I’m just glad that something good can come out of something so painful,” he said. “This sign can save lives. And I know Micah would’ve wanted that.”

A separate tree dedication in Harris’ memory is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at 4 p.m. on campus, where Lufafa and several of Harris’ friends plan to gather and honor his life.