Statement regarding Saturday night accident

Senior VP and COO Charlie Lane and D’Andra Mull
January 17, 2021

Dear campus community,

It is with heavy hearts that we share news of a tragic traffic accident that occurred Saturday night on West University Avenue.

While the Gainesville Police Department’s investigation is ongoing, we do know that two vehicles collided, and one vehicle spun into a group of students standing on the sidewalk. The students were taken to UF Health Shands Hospital, where one beloved member of the Gator Nation, Sophia Lambert, tragically succumbed to her injuries. We ask that you please keep Sophia, her family and her community lifted in your thoughts, as well as her classmates who sustained injuries during this tragic accident.

We are providing counseling services, outreach and other support for the students and communities affected, and if you need support, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for help. The loss of any student life is unfathomable, and we recognize the effect the loss of one of our own has on the collective community. 

Students can reach out to U Matter, We Care or the Counseling & Wellness Center. Faculty and staff are encouraged to connect with the Employee Assistance Program.

The safety of our campus is paramount, and we want you to know conversations are underway regarding pedestrian and vehicular safety, on and around our campus.

During this difficult time, we ask that you continue to keep our impacted community members in your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Charlie Lane, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

D’Andra Mull, Vice President for Student Affairs