FORSYTHE

MARQUETTE – Northern Michigan University student Trevor Forsythe of Dryden has died, and the university sent out a message to the greater campus community Wednesday morning.

Forsythe was on track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia production, he has worked as a broadcast director and photojournalist at WZMQ in Marquette, WNMU-TV’s Public Eye News team and the NMU sports production crew. According to his obituary, Forsyth died due to complications relating to diabetes on Aug. 21.

“Beginning on Day one of his NMU experience, Trevor tapped into every educational and experiential resource available to multimedia production majors. He quickly became a standout. In his junior year, he elevated his television journalism skills in a big way by taking on the role of producer-director for WNMU-TV’s daily student newscast Public Eye News, a prestigious title he would hold for three semesters,” said Mike Settles, WNMU producer and PEN advisor. “Trevor excelled at peer learning. His passion for the craft and willingness to share teachable moments with fellow students were remarkable to witness. He was such a talent, but more importantly he was a really great person. His loss is profound.”

The 2023 sports production crew of which he was a member won the national award in 2023 from Sports Video Group College Sports Media Awards for “Outstanding Live Game Production” for its coverage of Wildcat hockey.

Forsythe also won the Stephen A. Marks Foundation Scholarship, awarded annually to one NMU student who exhibits professional promise within the broadcast industry in May 2024, when he attended the MAB Student Broadcast Awards event in Lansing.

Mike Lakenen, one of his instructors and the director of NMU’s sports production crew, added, “Trevor was a student who led by example, and one who could be counted on to be prepared and well versed in any assignment that he was given. He grew into an accomplished young professional while at NMU, and he always had a smile on his face.”

Anyone in the NMU community who needs support related to Forsythe’s passing should visit nmu.edu/wellbeing.

“Our sympathies are with Trevor’s family, friends and those on campus who knew him and are now navigating this loss,” said Rhea Dever, vice president of people, culture and wellbeing. “We plan to honor Trevor later this semester by lowering the NMU flag at a date of his family’s choosing. The campus will be notified prior to the event’s date.”

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.