UVU mourns loss of professor Christopher L. Kirsch

UVU mourns its tragic loss as adjunct history professor Christopher L. Kirsch, 62, was killed on Father’s Day. Professor Kirsch’s son, Michael, 31, allegedly stabbed him fatally with a 10-inch knife. The son has had a history of crime and mental illness.

After police responded to the 911 call from Kirsch’s wife Elaine, he was found lying on his bedroom floor bleeding from 26 stab wounds to his chest and back. He was immediately rushed to Timpanogos Hospital, where he died minutes later.

"We are deeply saddened to have learned of the untimely passing of one of our colleagues, Chris Kirsch," said UVSC President William A. Sederburg. "In behalf of the institution, I express my most heart-felt condolences to his wife Elaine and the entire Kirsch family. I speak for all of us when I say that the entire UVU family mourns this loss." Sederburg ordered that all flags on campus fly at half-staff June 16 in Kirsch’s honor and memory.

Kirsch taught geography and Latin American history at UVSC on an adjunct basis since 2003. Kirsch earned a master’s degree in geography from UCLA in 1970.

He was known for his expertise in Latin American business patterns and economic geography. He taught geography of world regions, geography of the United States, colonial Latin America and modern Latin America history courses at UVSC.

Colleagues enjoyed his happy and humorous style, and he spent many mornings in the department discussing the news and world events. He truly loved to teach, and his presence will be greatly missed. Previously, he was a career executive with DHL International and oversaw business operations across Latin America for 16 years.

Michael Kirsch is being held on three charges in the Utah County Jail, including aggravated homicide, according to the Utah County Jail Web site. Bail is set at $1 million, cash only.