New College of Florida DEATHS
New College of Florida was struck by two deaths within days. New College of Florida writes of the deaths of freshman Jessica Wantz and alumna Muriel Avellaneda.
Freshman Jessica Wantz, 19, was taken to an Indianapolis hospital Friday night after she crashed into a structure while sledding in a New Castle park with her boyfriend, according to the Associated Press.Wantz died January 9, Muriel passed January 3. New College of Florida President Mike Michalson said in a statement the following:
“The untimely deaths of two young women who exhibited such promise would be a tragedy on any campus. But at a small school like New College the impact of losses such as these is even more deeply felt. Our hearts go out to the families of both Jessica and Muriel.”
“The deaths of Jessica and Muriel remind us once again of how fragile as well as precious life is, and that is a very important thought as we begin this new year. We will miss both of them dearly.”
Background of the campus:
New College of Florida is a public liberal arts college located in Sarasota, Florida. Composed of 84 faculty and nearly 750 students, New College is known for its high academic standards, narrative evaluation system, and its focus on independent research and student-driven curriculum. Founded originally as an innovative private college, it is now an independent member of the State University System of Florida.
