Freshman graphic design major Kayla Forest died Sunday due to complications during recovery from heart transplant surgery.
Forest was first transported to OSF St. Francis Medical Center before being transported to the University of Chicago, where she had the surgery.
Amanda Wilton, Forest’s professor for COM 103, said Forest was a kind, hard-working student.
“She worked tenaciously at putting together a good speech,” she said. “The first speech they had was ‘I was at my best when…’ She talked about her love of art, and how she was at her best when she would show her works.”
Geisert Hall Director junior Emily Smith said Forest was active in floor activities.
“She was quiet, but she was polite and very sweet,” Smith said.
Vice President for Student Affairs Alan Galsky said even though Forest was only a freshman, she and her family had become an important part of the Bradley community.
“Kayla was an out-of-state student from [Ohio], and her mom was a member of the Parent’s Board,” he said. “She chose to travel a great distance to go here, and we were glad to have her. We will miss Kayla, but she will be always be a part of the Bradley family.”
Services for Forest will be hosted Saturday at Faith United Methodist Church in Chicago, at 335 W. 75th Street. The wake will take place from 10 to 11a.m., and the funeral from 11 a.m. to noon.
Donations for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation can be made in memory of Forest at UMDF.org.
