Family remembers student killed at University of Idaho

Earlier this week, Stacy and Jim Chapin got the call that no parent ever wants to receive.

“We're just trying to process it,” said Stacy Chapin, Ethan Chapin’s mother. “It's not a call that you think that you're going to, have to speak with the funeral home directors, and the FBI and have it hit national news.”

They received the call their son Ethan Chapin had been killed. Ethan’s siblings were the ones who shared the news with their parents.

Ethan was among four students who were found dead in a home near the University of Idaho over the weekend. They are said to have been killed with an “edged weapon” on Sunday night.

Ethan was originally from Skagit County and graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 2021.

Ethan was a triplet. His parents say they were all so close that they even attended college together. They all just celebrated their 20th birthday a few weeks ago.

“We have these other two kids that are very impacted by this and they need to be lifted up and cared for,” said Stacy Chapin.

They say Ethan was the comedian of the family and was a lover of country music and all kinds of sports.

“Anything, he played it. He played it literally,” his parents laughed.

“We just watched a thing from the university, he was a spike ball champion, a volleyball champion. I mean, he just literally would play and do anything,” Stacy Chapin said.

[dans]

I am literally pouring my thoughts, prayers and love on to this family. There is literally nothing worse than losing a child and there is undoubtedly nothing like losing 1/3 of your triplet. God please guide this family through their grief and create a pathway for healing and light 🙏🏽

[saoirse.luvs.redbull]

This is so so terrible. May he rest in peace and that his family is figuring out how to cope.

[JoleneMarie]

Absolutely heartbreaking tragedy

Our deepest prayers with you all ♥️

[cosandraodame]

Bless your precious heart I offer so much condolence and love for your loss so sorry you had to go through this.

[rachelann]

I am so sorry to you and your family ...I watched your interviews and my heart aches for you, your husband and your other two kids ....I have been balling my eyes out ...triplets are so very special ...you all will be in my prayers ❤️❤️

[juliecoe]

RIP 🙏 Ethan. I wish I could give each family member a warm hug . My prayers, and Blessings 🙌 and love to each of you my .sincere condolences .love from the Gold Coast Queensland.

[WhatTheHeck]

Rest in Peace. Hope families can come together in this.

[terrylong]

You have my prayers and my deepest sympathy. God bless you.

[marimullan]

My heart is breaking for this family & the other families involved in this horrific senseless act. I didn't know Ethan was a triplet & his other siblings I just pray that they find peace & are surrounded with so much love. God give them the strength & love they need in the coming days & years.

[dianeessex]

Ethan reminds me of one of my grandson's and he seemed to be a wonderful person and I can imagine how proud of him You are I pray for you and your children often.i. cry for you often I have hope for you to get strength and knowledge of who did this . and may God comfort you and give you peace. You and your children are very important to this country please believe you are not alone.

[kerryprzytula]

So sorry. God please wrap you arms around this family. I am heartbroken for you. Sending you and your family prayers and hugs.

[avrilgolden]

Lost for words. This is Horrific. Praying for all the family members.

[Anu]

It's so sad to see the parents every time something like this happens. They are in so much pain, always unable to mourn the loss of their kids, killer on the loose and the case taking forever to close. Hope this case is solved soon and the killer is caught. Such young lives, taken too soon.

[doubleseven]

God bless the families and give them strength to STAND UP for their child.

[pattylettelier]

My condolences to your family and friends.

[mrs.hatfield]

I'm so sorry! I/we are praying for you! We live here in Moscow. I know your pain, find support for you as the parents too. God bless you.

[danb]

God Bless these poor people!
My heart just bleeds for you...

[michaelhunt]

Leave it to the news to bother the grieving families. Shame on them

[milliesecond]

My deepest heart-felt condolences to Ethan's parents and siblings! As well as his girlfriend's family for their loss of a child! I just went through having no contact with my don for 13 weeks of Marine boot camp and learned one of his peers died during their training and his parents were not informed for 10 days! I cried every single day since he shipped out and again when he had to return to camp after a brief break once he passed his training. I don't want to outlive my son, I can't imagine the pain the parents and siblings of Ethan and his girlfriend's family are going through.
I hope the murderer is found and punished to the fullest extent of the law. May God comfort the bereaved. 🙏❤️🙏

[rustynail]

Hard to believe how so many families give these media vultures whatever they want.