By Matt Thacker
Jennifer Hoagland, a 20-year-old student at the University of Louisville, died Nov. 27 in a car accident in Georgetown, Ind. Her death came just a week after another U of L student, Jeffrey Sieving, died in a car accident in Louisville.
Hoagland, who lived in Mount Washington, was riding in the front passenger’s seat when the car it hit a tree. The vehicle ended up in a creek. Hoagland was ejected from the vehicle although she was wearing a seatbelt.
Stephanie Hazel, also a U of L student, was driving the vehicle. She was taken to the hospital but was listed in good condition.
The Floyd County sheriff’s office said they were still investigating the cause of the crash, but the lead investigator was not available for comment.
In honor of Hoagland, the U of L Metro Rotaract Club, of which Hoagland was a member, collected books for a charity last night instead of their usual gift exchange.
The club will give a $50 donation, along with several boxes of books donated by members, to the Catholic Enrichment Center.
Hoagland began volunteering as a tutor at the Enrichment Center in September. Center Director Patsy Guyton said they hope to work with the Rotaract Club to plan an event in Hoagland’s honor.
“She was very sweet and caring towards the kids,” Guyton said. “She was very patient and had a warm personality. Her dedication was amazing.”
Guyton said the children Hoagland had tutored were in disbelief when they heard about her death. She said they seemed to be handling it well but they have a counselor who can help with the coping process.
Colin Ogilvie, a student at U of L, tutored with Hoagland.
“She was really sweet all the time, and all the kids really liked her,” he said.
He said she volunteered several hours a week and seemed to love working at the center.
