Peace Corps Press Release:
Mitchell Herrmann, a Peace Corps trainee in Namibia, died suddenly Thursday, August 16.
Mitchell, 24, of Lake Worth, Florida, was training to teach science as a Peace Corps volunteer.
“The entire Peace Corps family is mourning the loss of Mitchell Herrmann, one of our newest members and a young man who stood ready to share his passion for teaching with the people of Namibia,” said Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen. “We send our deepest sympathies to Mitchell’s parents and loved ones. Our hearts and prayers are with them as we set out to honor Mitchell’s memory and celebrate his life.”
Mitchell, who earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Florida Atlantic University, was an environmental educator for several organizations before he entered the Peace Corps earlier this month. Most recently, he taught at the Arrowhead Ranch Outdoor Science School in California.
“What I primarily desire to bring forth in my time of service revolves around my strengths in the realm of environmental education, my aptitude to foster a sense of nurturing and passion for education, and also my positivity in the realms of encouragement, engagement, and motivation,” wrote Mitchell in an aspiration statement prior to traveling to Namibia to begin his training.
His fellow trainees, as well as Peace Corps staff, appreciated his kindness and enthusiasm for the education program. They are planning a vigil this evening and a formal memorial service in the near future.
Mitchell is survived by his mother Lisa Mirich, father Eduard Herrmann, stepfather Alex Mirich, stepmother Dawn Herrmann, brother Ethan Herrmann, sister Sierra Herrmann, grandmother Celia Muschet, and a large extended family.
If you are a family member or friend of Mitchell’s, and you would like to personalize this page – please reach out to webmaster@fpcv.org. We would like it to be meaningful to those who knew and loved him. -With deepest sympathy.
Thinking of you as you should be turning 30 at the start of August. You ate the entire Publix sheet cake of leftovers the two weeks in between your birthday and leaving and it still cracks me up to think about you just leaving it and a fork in your fridge. I didn’t know what a privilege it’d be to see you in some of your final moments frantically and thoughtfully packed your belongings and cleaned your house out. I will cherish our time together forever and I can’t wait to see you again some day old friend ❤️
Hi im a kid from the science camp he used to work at and I want to say he made such a huge impact on my life I wish we could bring him back that would be the best gift ever. He was always so bubbly and happy and it shatters my heart that his energy like that will not be here anymore. .He made so many of the kids happy at Lake Arrow Head I could just see it. Me and my other friend are not taking his lose to well but I want to say that he will forever be in my heart and I will miss him everyday.
My heart is shattered. He is a tremendous loss. I will feel it my entire life.
Our son left an enormous hole in our hearts. He lived to love on others and show compassion to a hurting world. We are buoyed by our faith in The Lord Jesus Christ and we rest in the knowledge that Mitchell is serving others in heaven and one day we will see him again.
My heart hurts for all of us who knew and loved Mitchell ~ He was a Angel
If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane,
I’d walk the path to heaven and bring you back again.
Love ~ Susan & Neil Muschett
My Dear Mitchell,
You embraced Life to the fullest and touched so many people.
If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane,
I’d walk the path to heaven and bring you back again.
Love Susie & Neil Muschett
Deepest condolences to Mitchell’s family and other dear ones of his. He served well in the work he loved, May you know God is near.
My heart goes out to Mitchell’s family, his friends and the Peace Corps family suffering through his recent loss.
He sounds like an amazing man! Prayers for your family and friends.
I will remember your family in my prayers. MItchell’s service reflects the beautiful son you raised. May he rest in peace.
Mitchell was one of my first real friends. We met back in middle school and continued a friendship into the early years of high school. He taught me that true friends accept each other and celebrate our differences together. I will never forget him and what he has taught me. My condolences to his family. May you be surrounded with love in your time of grief.
Deepest condolences to all. You are in my prayers.
Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers for peace. Those who choose to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer are special beyond words.
Peace Corps Parent – Lesotho – 2015-2017
God Bless those who serve and Mitchell’s family.
I randomly came across a posthumous post on instagram honoring Mitchell. The post was made years ago by a friend of his (I assume). I have no ties to him nor to the original poster referenced. However I couldn’t help but dig further into his story and have thus ended up here. What I’ve gathered from the videos/pictures I’ve seen remembering him is that this young man was special. I am turning 30 this upcoming year and am basically in par at age with Mitchell. I am struggling with a variety of internal issues in life at this age. I can’t tell you how sobering coming across this story has been. Seeing how loved and missed you are by your family and friends has truly opened my eyes. I too come from a loving group of family and friends and you’ve inspired me to be better, despite never having met you. You’ve made me realize how valuable being able to interact with close ones truly is. May your soul rest in peace Mitchell and may your family/friends find the comfort they yearn and deserve.