Dear Tulane Community,
This was a tragic and heartbreaking Mardi Gras for the Tulane family.
On Mardi Gras day, Margaret "Meg" Maurer, a Tulane senior from Minnesota majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology, was killed in an accident off of Interstate 10 in Mississippi. Meg, a 2019 Newcomb Scholar who had studied abroad in Ecuador, was an extraordinarily gifted student and a leader among her peers. She was planning to graduate in May to pursue a career in scientific illustration – a field that combined her skill as a scientist, her incredible artistic talent and her love of nature. We are hoping to mount an exhibition of Meg's illustrations in the LBC in the near future. Tulane community members who wish to attend memorial services that will be held locally and in Meg's hometown should contact Dean of Students Erica Woodley at ewoodley@tulane.edu.
Meg's passing followed another tragedy that occurred Saturday night when David Hynes, a 2013 Tulane School of Law graduate, was killed by a suspected drunk driver in an accident that also took the life of another fellow cyclist and injured several more. Tulane law graduate Harry Vorhoff, and his wife Sophie, were also injured in this accident. David was an active and engaged law student at Tulane and a member of the Student Bar Association. After graduation, he went on to pursue a career in law and was working as an associate in the Seattle office of the law firm Selman Breitman. David, who had recently married, was an avid "foodie" and hiker. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
The death of these two young Tulanians is devastating for their families and friends and for everyone who knew and loved them at Tulane. We are reaching out to the families and friends of both victims and offering our condolences and any assistance we might be able to provide.
If you or a friend is in need of support during this difficult time, please know that Tulane has resources for you. Students may walk in to CAPS for Counseling Services (located in Science & Engineering Lab Complex) or Case Management and Victim Support Services (located in the LBC, G02) anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, students may access The Line for confidential counseling services at 504-264-6074 or the Student Affairs Professional On-Call at 504-920-9900. Students may also e-mail SRSS@tulane.edu to communicate with a Case Manager. The Employee Assistance Program is available for faculty and staff seeking counseling or support. Information about EAP can be found here.
The tragic losses of these two extraordinary members of the Tulane family during what was supposed to be a time of joy and celebration are a reminder to cherish each moment and each individual. Our hearts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Meg and David.
