Robert Morris University and its community are mourning the loss of 18-year-old Kaylee Ogea, a student-athlete who died following a car accident early Sunday morning. According to TribLIVE, the Washington County Coroner said that Ogea, from Shawboro, North Carolina, lost control of her vehicle and rolled over on Interstate 70 near the West Virginia state line just after 3 a.m.
The university released statements conveying the impact Ogea had on the campus and its athletic programs. Ogea was striving to become a sophomore, a dedicated member of the rowing team, and had only just joined the program in January. "Kaylee was not only a talented rower but also a wonderful teammate and friend. Her vivacious personality brought positivity to the boathouse and the Erg room environment," Robert Morris rowing coach Robert Weber stated in a statement reported by CBS News Pittsburgh. Her involvement on campus extended beyond rowing as she was also an ROTC cadet, a member of the women's Division 2 club hockey team, and worked with the university's Women's Leadership and Mentorship Program.
Dr. Michelle Patrick, president of Robert Morris University, expressed the collective heartache of the university, "Kaylee's dedication, leadership, and spirit were evident in all that she did. Kaylee's loss is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing her" according to a report by WTAE. In the wake of the tragedy, tributes flowed in, remembering Ogea as a cherished individual whose contributions to the campus community were substantial and heartfelt.
Details on the cause of the crash are still forthcoming, and it was not immediately known if Ogea was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. As the Robert Morris community comes to terms with the sudden loss, Chris King, vice president and director of athletics, spoke out to stress Ogea's lasting impression, "Her loss is deeply felt and our hearts go out to her family and friends during this difficult time." as per a statement to TribLIVE. The university extends its heartfelt sympathies to those grieving and holds close the legacy of a young woman whose time was tragically cut short.
