Laurier’s Dean of Students killed in Wednesday crash

Wilfrid Laurier University has confirmed the university's Dean of Students was killed in a single vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in Waterloo.

Leanne Holland Brown was walking on Central Street when she was hit by a vehicle.

Brown, 43, lived in Baden.

She was taken to a local hospital, then airlifted to one in Hamilton, where she later died of her injuries.

“Leanne was a beloved colleague and generous friend who helped and supported many students and co-workers during her years at Laurier.” Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor, Deb MacLatchy said in a statement posted on the university's website.

“Leanne was a loving and compassionate individual who embodied the Laurier spirit and sense of community. She enriched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her, and she will be deeply missed.” MacLatchy added.

Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, police allege a car was heading west on Central when it left the road and struck Brown before hitting hydro pole.

The driver of the vehicle, a 56-year-old Cambridge man, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call the Traffic Services Unit of Waterloo Regional Police at 519-570-9777 ext. 8791 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Here is the statement the university posted on its website:

To members of the Laurier community,

It is with deep sorrow that I share the news that our dear colleague Leanne Holland Brown, dean of students for the Waterloo campus, passed away Wednesday evening as the result of a traffic accident earlier in the afternoon. Leanne was struck by a vehicle while walking near the university. She was transported to hospital in Hamilton where she later passed away.

The university has been in close contact with Leanne's family to offer support and to extend heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the Laurier community. Flags have been lowered to half-mast across the university in recognition of this loss. Information about a memorial service will be provided once it becomes available.

Leanne was a beloved colleague and generous friend who helped and supported many students and co-workers during her years at Laurier. She worked in Laurier’s Residence Life department from 2000-2003, served as manager of the Student Leadership Centre from 2007-2010, and was appointed dean of students for the Waterloo campus in 2010.

Leanne was a loving and compassionate individual who embodied the Laurier spirit and sense of community. She enriched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her, and she will be deeply missed.

Supports are available to all within the Laurier community:

The Student Wellness Centre: 519.884.0710 x3146 or wellness@wlu.ca
Delton Glebe Counselling Centre: 519.884.3305 or glebecentre@wlu.ca
Laurier Human Resources and the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Deb MacLatchy, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor
Wilfrid Laurier University