Hearts around the Atlantic 10 broke this past weekend as two Richmond women’s basketball staffers were killed in a tragic hot-air balloon accident.
Associate Head Coach, Ginny Doyle, and Director of Basketball Operations, Natalie Lewis, were two of the three killed in the accident along with pilot Daniel T. Kirk.
The balloon was one of a number of balloons in flight as a part of a preview night for the Mid-Atlantic Balloon Festival when it hit a power line and burst into flames.
Doyle was a Richmond basketball standout prior to serving at the University for 16 seasons. Lewis, a 2011 Richmond grad who, began her career with Spider Athletics in 2012 and was a part of three Atlantic 10 championship swimming teams.
“Words cannot begin to express our sorrow,” Keith Gill, director of athletics said in the University’s official release. “We are all stunned by the tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones.”
“As alumnae, classmates, and colleagues – and as invaluable and devoted mentors for our student-athletes – Ginny and Natalie have been beloved members of our community,” added President Edward L. Ayers. “Their leadership and friendship will endure in the lives of so many.”
The University has arranged counselors to assist faculty, students and staff as they deal with the sudden loss of Doyle and Lewis.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them as well.
