President Byerly’s Message on Passing of Brian Keller ’16

President Alison Byerly sent the following message today to the college community.

It is with deep sadness that I write to inform you that Brian Keller ’16 passed away early this morning as a result of injuries sustained in the car accident reported yesterday. He was 21 years old.

Brian Keller ’16

Brian, a mechanical engineering major from Somerdale, New Jersey, was a member of Lafayette’s football team. A tight end, he played in all eleven games last season, and was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll after achieving a 3.33 GPA in the fall 2014 semester. At Triton Regional High School, Brian not only played football, he was also a member of the basketball team.

When interviewed in the local press last spring about his development as a football player, Brian commented on the challenges of balancing his substantial athletic and academic commitments. “As an engineer I am constantly busy. I really enjoy the math and science, and all it comes down to organizing your time. They give us a lot of work but a week and a half to do it, and I like to get it done.”

The outpouring of support over the last several days from friends, teammates, fellow student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and other members of the Lafayette community is a testament to how greatly Brian will be missed.

We extend deepest condolences to Brian’s parents, Mark and Susan Keller, his brother, Alex, and his sisters, Amy and Emily. We will share information about services when it becomes available.  A campus commemoration of Brian’s life will be held after students return for the fall semester.

It is especially painful to share a loss like this at a time when our community is scattered for the summer. I know that many students are already sharing their thoughts and feelings about Brian online.  Any member of the campus community wishing to speak with a counselor may contact Dr. Karen Forbes, Director of the Counseling Center, at forbesk@lafayette.edu.