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'We are devastated' | Carson-Newman student killed while in Guatemala

School officials said an incoming freshman died in an accident while on a trip to Guatemala.

Carson-Newman University confirmed on Saturday that an incoming freshman died while on a trip to Guatemala

According Dr. Ross Brummett, the senior vice president for student affairs with the university, Seth Washam was killed by an electrical issue that happened while he was in the pool.

The university had originally said he was killed because of an electrical short in a hotel swimming pool. 

Brummett said Seth was studying abroad on a trip that was not sponsored by the university. The trip had ended July 14, and he said Seth's father flew down to Guatamala to vacation with Seth and his sister Emma.

Emma was also injured in the accident and is a rising junior at Carson-Newman University. 

"We are devastated by our loss. My husband and daughter returned tonight. We are trying to cope and take care of Emma," Jean-Ann Washam, their mother, told 10News in a statement late Sunday. 

Washam also said she serves with Appalachian Outreach in Jefferson City, and that the university has been speaking with the media on the family's behalf. 

"The prayers of our entire campus community is that God will be a refuge and an ever present help to the Washam family at this time," Carson-Newman President Charles A. Fowler said in the university's release.

The university has set up a giving page for people to donate to the Washam family.

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