main content Update on Yesterday’s Tragic Accident

Dear Lewis & Clark Community,
A tragic accident occurred on our campus last night. A few students attached hammocks to free-standing columns that are part of the historic grape arbor in the lower estate garden on the undergraduate campus. One of the columns fell inward, causing serious injuries to three students. Two of these students were transported to the hospital and are recovering. However, despite efforts to provide emergency aid, the third student did not survive. The family has requested privacy during this time. This includes not releasing his name.
I am a parent myself and I, along with the entire Lewis & Clark community, are devastated by this loss. My heart goes out to his family and friends. We will do everything we can to support our students recovering in the hospital and those on campus who have been impacted by this tragedy.
Space has been made available in the Flanagan Chapel for anyone seeking quiet reflection. We will let the campus know if and when memorial services are planned.
Grief counselors have also been working with students, faculty and staff impacted by this incident and will continue to be available. Employees can get help by emailing hr@lclark.edu. Students can email vpsl@lclark.edu for assistance with counseling. The dean of the College of Arts and Sciences has also asked professors to be flexible regarding missed classes.
Sincerely,
President Robin Holmes-Sullivan
The Office of the President is located in Frank Manor House on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 33
email president@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7680
fax 503-768-7688
President Robin Holmes-Sullivan
The Office of the President
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road
Portland OR 97219
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Let’s finish strong!
Dear L&C community,
Welcome back to campus and to the last weeks of spring semester. I hope you were able to recharge over the break and are ready for the final sprint to the finish line.
While there is a lot of troubling news these days in both our country and in the wider world, I want you to know that I wake up each day focused on advancing our institution’s mission, which is to provide the best possible education so our students can achieve their dreams.
That’s why I want to take a moment to celebrate you, our amazing students, who are doing incredible things. Every day I hear about another amazing project or achievement. You should all be so proud of yourselves. Whether it’s undergraduate Finn Watson BA ’26 earning a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, the Environmental Moot Court Team securing a championship, an exhibit of artwork from pre-professionals in our Art Therapy program, or the Natural History Club hosting a week-long celebration of the wonders of moss, our students are getting noticed and making an impact. And, of course, the support of our top-notch staff and faculty is vital to making such achievements possible.
I am deeply proud to lead this purposeful, caring, inquisitive and collaborative community.
Enjoy our beautiful campus as the weather warms and the flowers bloom.
Let’s all finish strong!
Robin H. Holmes-Sullivan
President

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