NMU student Clint Roberts died Sunday, Oct. 10 after hitting a deer on his motorcycle. He was driving on D Road in Gladstone when he hit the deer, lost control, and struck a fence and tree. According to a Michigan State Police press release, he was then taken to St. Francis Hospital where he died of major internal injuries. Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash. Roberts was returning from a visit to his home in Bark River.

Roberts was interested in motorcycles, snowboarding and playing guitar and video games, according to Kyle Robinette, Roberts’ close friend and hospitality management student at NMU. Roberts was planning on entering the National Guard to become a helicopter pilot.

Robinette went to high school with Roberts in Bark River and hung out with Roberts almost every night this semester. Robinette said that Roberts was always there for Robinette when he wanted to talk.

“He was a great kid,” Robinette said. “He had so many friends, and he was always going out of his way to help them out.”

He said that he’s trying to stay strong because he feels that’s what Roberts would want him to do.

“I’m hanging in there,” Robinette said. “I know he’d want all of us to stay strong.”

Roberts lived on the first floor of Spooner Hall, where he was very well-liked by those who knew him.

“The people he did talk to have been deeply affected by the loss, and certainly everyone is saddened,” said Katie Puroll, resident director of Spooner. “It catches you off guard, you never expect someone to leave and not return.”

Roberts is survived by his parents, sister and his brother. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Bark River Bible Church with the funeral service to follow.