Members of the campus community are mourning the loss of a mother, wife, friend and professor.

Mathematics Professor Martha “Bettina” Richmond, 51, was found dead in her van at Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Sunday, according to a Bowling Green Police Department press release.

Police were called to the recreation building’s parking lot, located at 225 3rd Ave., at about 11:30 p.m., according to the press release. They are investigating the death as a homicide.

Barry Pruitt, public information officer for the Bowling Green Police Department, said police had no further comment as of Monday afternoon.

The Richmond family declined comment Monday, according to a family friend who answered the phone at the Richmond residence.

Richmond was a professor at Western for 23 years.

Her husband, Tom Richmond, is also a math professor at Western.

Assistant Math Professor Molly Dunkum said it was a strange environment in the math department Monday.

James Barksdale, a transitional retiree in the math department, said Richmond always seemed to be in a good mood.

“She’d tell me a joke, and I’d tell her a joke,” he said.

Richmond was always well prepared and dedicated and she cared a lot about her students, Barksdale said. She was outspoken in a nice way.

He said the mother of two would always come by his office when selling Girl Scout Cookies.

“It really strikes home when it’s someone you work with and have known for a very long time,” Barksdale said.

Mark Robinson, assistant math department head, said the death was a shock to everyone.

Western counseling services will be available to faculty, staff, students and others who knew Richmond, according to a statement issued by the university.