By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Jonathan Mark Bruckert, a 23-year-old senior at Campbellsville University, died in an auto accident at 4:09 p.m. Friday on KY 210. He was 23.
Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, expressed sympathy from the entire Campbellsville University family.
“We are very saddened about the untimely and tragic death of Jonathan Bruckert.
During his time at Campbellsville University, he has touched the lives of our other
students as well as faculty and staff. His involvement in missions and ministry are evidence of his Christian witness and servant leader’s spirit. We will certainly miss him.
“The entire Campbellsville University family extends our heartfelt sympathy to his parents and entire family. In the days ahead, we will keep them in our prayers and
thoughts.”
Bruckert was the son of Greg and Shelly Bruckert, who are missionaries to Indonesia and who are on furlough visiting relatives in Louisville.
Bruckert was on his way to be with his family in Louisville when the accident occurred.
He was involved in mission work and ministry at Campbellsville University.
Ed Pavy, director of campus ministries, said, Jon was a “Missionary Kid” who was “likeable and friendly and made friends across the board.”
Pavy said he was involved with Baptist Campus Ministry and came to the BCM weekly Oasis meetings.
“He was a wonderful kid who had shown a lot of maturity over the past year as he took his spiritual life more seriously,” Pavy said.
He said the Bruckert family was very supportive and encouraging to Campbellsville University having three of their children attend the institution.
Greg Bruckert had spoken at the annual BCM Dinner Theater on campus in February and had also hosted CU students on a mission trip to Indonesia.
“There is a special bond with missionary families,” Pavy said. “No matter where they are missionaries, there is that sense of kinship.
“My heart goes out to the Bruckert family. My heart is crushed for them.”
David Akers, minister of recreation at Campbellsville Baptist Church, worked with Bruckert at the Christian Life Center, where he had worked for about two and a half years as a part-time employee while attending CU.
He was also working there part time this summer, and Akers said he got off work at 3 p.m. yesterday.
“Jon was a very hard worker,” Akers said. “He was very athletic and played on an Hispanic soccer league and was on the Garcia’s restaurant team. He also played basketball and was a CU intramural representative to a tournament in eastern Kentucky
Akers said his death sends a “strong message of evangelistic note.” He said, “You can’t control your destiny, and if people think they can get by without trauma or injuries in life, that won’t happen.
“Jon was a Christian, and I pray for his family.”
Among his other survivors are a sister, Jamie, a student at Campbellsville University, and a sister, Jennifer Bruckert Evans, a CU graduate who was formerly employed with The Center for International Education at CU.
Arch L. Heady Funeral Home on Westport Road in Louisville is in charge of arrangements which will be announced at a later date and will be placed on the CU Web site at www.campbellsville.edu.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,405 students who represent 98 Kentucky counties, 25 states and 36 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and eighth in the South for “Great Schools, Great Prices.” CU has been ranked 15 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his tenth year as president.