Update on Missing Individual in Saint Joseph River

May 10, 2023

Dear colleagues,

I want to share some news regarding a member of our community, Shirani (Galindo) Simpson, who has been missing since Sunday evening. 

Shirani previously attended Andrews University between 2006 and 2009 as a double Spanish studies and music major. She had finished her junior year of studies at that time.

This past Sunday evening, the Office of Campus Safety received a report of an unattended minor near the Pathfinder Building (located near the University Farm). Upon responding to the report and talking with the child, Campus Safety learned that his brother had entered the water and the mother had gone after her son. Campus Safety then contacted emergency services and began searching for the mother and son.

The brother was rescued on a small island near the Andrews farm. At that time, multiple agencies began using a number of search methods and technologies to continue the search for Shirani in and along the Saint Joseph River. That search continued late into Sunday night and resumed early Monday morning and on into Tuesday afternoon. 

Unfortunately, those search efforts have not yet been successful in locating Shirani, who remains missing. The agencies involved in the search process are continuing to coordinate efforts for the ongoing search process.

Throughout this time, various members of the University family were able to provide direct support for both Shirani’s family and first responders. My thanks to those Andrews University family members who have already provided, and are continuing to provide, additional care, prayers and support for Shirani’s family and friends as this search process continues.

In addition to being a former student at Andrews University, Shirani was also a neighbor and close friend here in our local community. She worked as a Spanish teacher at Great Lakes Montessori in Saint Joseph, Michigan. Also, this past Sunday, I personally had the privilege to see Shirani at a graduation event that she attended on campus shortly before this tragedy occurred.

Here at Andrews University, our intense prayers surround Shirani’s two children as this search continues, and we also continue to pray alongside, and with, all of Shirani’s family and friends during this time of uncertainty.

Christon Arthur
Provost