Catholic University women's basketball assistant killed in crash during charity bike trip
An assistant coach of the Catholic University of America women's basketball team and an assistant sports information director for the school, Jamie Roberts, was tragically killed Friday while on a cross-country biking trip in support of cancer research.
Roberts, who had been an assistant coach at the Washington D.C. school for three years, was changing a tire on her bicycle when she and a fellow rider were struck by a truck in Scott County, Kentucky.
Roberts, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other rider escaped with non-life threatening injuries.
CUA Athletic Director Sean Sullivan said Roberts will be remembered for her caring nature, considerable warmth, subtle sense of humor, and consistent thoughtfulness."
Jamie Roberts.
"It came as little surprise to anyone who knew Jamie when she quietly revealed how she had taken up the daunting challenge of riding her bike some 4,400 miles from Baltimore to Portland to contribute to improving the quality of life for others," Sullivan said in a statement. "With little fanfare, she took on this remarkable physical and emotional quest because she felt as though others were in need and she could help. She also displayed these selfless qualities each and every day we were fortunate enough to work with her."
"Jamie was an incredible mentor to our young women and friend to us all," said Matthew Donohue, CUA's head women's basketball coach. "In typical Jamie fashion, she was spending her summer dedicating herself to assisting others who have been dealt some very challenging life hurdles."
Sullivan sent this message to athletic department staff and members of the women's basketball team: "In moments such as these, we find strength in our faith and sense of community. These are two such reasons as to why the CUA community is so special. Jamie Roberts contributed greatly to creating the wonderfully caring campus that we all enjoy daily. She will be deeply missed and will continue to serve as the strongest of reminders as to how we can intentionally choose to lead our lives for the betterment of others."
The ride was for the Ulman Cancer Fund and its CEO released the following statement:
"It is with the deepest sadness that the Ulman Cancer Fund faces the loss of Jamie Roberts," fund CEO Brock Yetso wrote on the group's webpage.
"This passionate young woman, so precious to her family and loved ones, lost her life in a tragic accident ... as she rode across America to raise funds and awareness for young adults fighting cancer."
