Alex Kemp, NCAA DIII Runner Dies After Skiing Accident
Alex Kemp, NCAA DIII Runner Dies After Skiing Accident
Alex Kemp died after a skiing accident. He was an NCAA DIII standout.
Alex Kemp, a freshman at NCAA DIII Williams College, died after a skiing accident on Monday.
In his first year with Williams, Kemp was a consistent contributor. He was a starter for the squad and finished 63rd at the NCAA DIII Cross Country Championship. He was the top freshman in the field.
Kemp was skiing at Jiminy Peak Resort in Massachusetts when he crashed. Reports indicate that he veered over an embankment before sustaining a significant head injury.
He was rushed to the hospital, but he eventually succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Kemp graduated high school from Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey. During his senior year, he placed ninth at the NJSIAA Cross Country Meet of Champions. He also added a 14th-place finish in the 3200m at the Indoor Meet of Champions. He was the Non-Public Group A State Champion over 3200m.
A statement released by the Berkshire District Attorney's Office stated that, "There is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident."
Williams College President Maud Mandel confirmed the news in a statement addressed to the Williams College community.
In the statement, cross country coach Dusty Lopez said the following:
“Alex had a self-assured, positive, kind way about him and it was consistent every day. This made him such a valuable member of our team, even in his first year—above and beyond his obvious gifts as an athlete. He loved being at Williams, being part of our team, and he always knew how to bring others along with him."
“Alex was fearless and incredibly motivated as a runner, both in training and competition" he added. "But even when he didn’t have his own best day, he took sincere joy and pride in seeing teammates do well. The team was always his biggest priority. Our entire team feels a huge sense of loss and grief at this tragic accident. Our thoughts and hearts are with his family, his high school teammates and coaches, and everyone else who was lucky enough to know Alex.”