Johns Hopkins University is mourning the loss of an undergraduate student, Bradlee LaMontagne, a junior biology major from Virginia Beach, Virginia, who died in a boating accident Dec. 10.
Image caption: Bradlee LaMontagne
Image credit: Johns Hopkins Athletics
LaMontagne was an active and engaged member of the Hopkins community—he served as captain of the wrestling team, as a First Year Mentor to incoming undergraduate students navigating the college experience, and as a group leader for the PILOT program, which aims to ease the academic and social transition to college through facilitated study sessions. LaMontagne tutored Baltimore high school athletes through the Next One Up Program.
A master scuba diver, he previously participated as a team captain in a 24-hour "Dive for a Cure" marathon event to raise money for cancer research.
LaMontagne was drawn to service and mentorship because he cared deeply about others and had a genuine desire to support others, said Brittany Claridge, assistant director of Orientation and First-Year Experience.
"Not only was he a bright light to those new students he supported, he also brought light to the staff and peer leaders he engaged with as well," Claridge said. "Whether it was wearing a banana costume during training or wrestling with his family during First Year Mentor calls, I could always count on Bradlee to bring us joy. I think 'joy' is the word that encapsulates him best. There is not a facet of this community that will not feel this loss."
Alanna Shanahan, vice provost for student affairs, and Smita Ruzicka, dean of student life, shared similar sentiments in an email to the university community.
"Bradlee will long be remembered as a valued and loved member of our Hopkins family," they wrote. "We will miss the bright light he brought to the lives of those who had the honor to know him."
With the Blue Jays wrestling team, LaMontagne posted a 23-24 record during his sophomore season and finished fourth at the both the Centennial Conference and NCAA Southeast Regional championship meets, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the NCAA Division III Championships.
"Bradlee was a special person who attacked everything he did with a passion that was contagious to the people around him," said Keith Norris, head coach of the Hopkins wrestling team. "He taught the team to embrace life, never give up, and to put others in front of ourselves. Bradlee wanted to change the world. He has certainly made an impact on Hopkins Wrestling. Bradlee will be missed and never forgotten."
Those who wish to send condolences to the family may send an email to "The Family of Bradlee LaMontagne" via the Office of the Dean of Student Life at deanofstudents@jhu.edu.
Grief counseling and support is available to members of the university community who are mourning this loss. Resources include:
- The JHU Counseling Center. Staff is available Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center may be contacted by calling 410-516-8278. In case of an emergency outside of normal hours, a counselor on call may be contacted at that number.
- Student Outreach and Support. To schedule a phone appointment, please call 410-516-7857 to do so. If you have concerns about another student in our community, please fill out a referral form.
- Religious and Spiritual Life. To reach out, call 410-516-1880 or email chaplain@jhu.edu.
- Students who live on-campus can contact their Resident Advisor or Residence Director for their residence hall. To get connected, call the Residential Life main office at 410-516-8283 or email residentiallife@jhu.edu.
Tagged in memoriam, obituary
