Holy Cross Women’s Crew Member Rett Dies, 12 Others Injured in Car Crash in Florida
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Holy Cross women's crew member dies, 12 others injured in car crash in Florida
The team member that died has been identified as Grace Rett, 20, from Uxbridge. Her 20th birthday was Tuesday.
According to Vero Beach Police Chief David Currey, approximately 12 others were injured in the crash.
According to Currey, of those injured, seven were taken to Longwood Regional Medical Center with “serious injuries,” and four were taken to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital with minor injuries.
The Crash
According to the Vero Beach Police, the crash took place on Indian River Boulevard near the Merrill P. Barber Bridge at approximately 7:30 a.m.
According to Currey, the preliminary investigation shows that the van was traveling southbound and turned left into a red pickup truck.
Currey says that there was only one person in the pickup truck.
According to Currey, no charges have been filed at this time
Holy Cross Issued the Following Statement:
Members of the College of the Holy Cross women’s rowing team were involved in a serious motor vehicle crash Wednesday morning while on a winter training trip in Vero Beach, Florida.
The College is stunned and saddened to report that 20-year-old Grace Rett '22, passed away as a result of her injuries sustained in the accident.
Grace was a sophomore English and psychology major from Uxbridge, Mass. She recently set a world record, rowing for 62 straight hours on an erg machine.
The College’s thoughts and prayers are with Grace’s family, friends and teammates at this time.
Several other members of the team suffered injuries in the crash and were transported to local hospitals.
College President Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., Athletics Director Marcus Blossom, and representatives from the College’s Office of College Chaplains were traveling to Florida Wednesday afternoon to support the team.
“Our community has suffered a tragic loss. I extend my deepest condolences to Grace's family, members of the women's rowing team and their coaches, and all who loved Grace,” said Boroughs. “In our grief we pray that the healing power of the love of Christ will touch their hearts and provide some peace. I ask that all members of the community support one another at this time and pray for the healing of those involved in the accident.“
“Today, our community is faced with unimaginable tragedy and devastating loss. Everyone who knew Grace was touched by her warm heart, tenacious work ethic and inspirational drive,” said Blossom. “Our entire Holy Cross community is mourning today, and our focus is on supporting our Crusader students, families, faculty and staff, both here and in Florida. Our prayers are with Grace’s family and all those injured in today’s events. We ask for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.”
Hundreds of students attended a brief gathering at the Luth Athletic Complex Wednesday. College chaplains and counselors along with staff from the Athletics Department were present to offer their support for all members of the community. Plans for additional remembrances will be forthcoming.
The Holy Cross vs. Army West Point men’s basketball game scheduled for Wednesday evening has been postponed until 2 p.m. Thursday.
The College reminded members of its community that a number of campus resources are available to them in this time of grief.
Students can access the Counseling Center by contacting 508-793-3363 or chaplains by contacting 508-793-2448. After hours, an on-call crisis counselor may be reached by telephone by calling the Counseling Center at 508-793-3363 and following the prompts.
For College employees, counselors from KGA Associates (Employee Assistance Provider for the College) will be on site on Thursday, January 16, to meet with employees seeking support and counseling. Counselors will be in Hogan rooms 328 and 404 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
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