Middlebury College is mourning the loss of its assistant hockey coach who succumbed to injuries she suffered six months ago in a car accident in Vermont.
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Emily McNamara, 42, died on Friday, Sept.11 months after a two vehicle crash left her seriously injured.
Middlebury President Ian Baucom announced the tragic passing in a statement.
"With deep sadness, we share the news that Assistant Women's Ice Hockey Coach Emily McNamara died on Friday, September 11," Baucom said in a statement shared via Instagram on Sunday, September 13. "As many of you know, Emily suffered serious injuries in a car accident last winter."
The statement added, "We have been in touch with Emily's family to share our sorrow and our full support during this difficult time. We have also spoken with members of our women's hockey team and Athletics staff, who are understandably heartbroken by this news. Emily's husband Dave, all her family, her colleagues, the students on the team, and everyone who knew her are deeply in our hearts."
Tributes Pour in For Late Hockey Coach
The women's college hockey coach reportedly lost control of her vehicle on March 22 during an ice storm. McNamara then crashed into a tractor trailer that was driving the opposite direction.
She suffered life-threatening injuries.
McNamara previously won Coach of the Year at Hamilton College, who also released a statement on her death.
"She was the person who answered the phone at midnight for a player going through something hard," the statement read. "She was the coach who remembered every player's family and every player's story. Long after they graduated. She was, to two generations of Hamilton and Middlebury hockey players, someone who believed in them. Before they believed in themselves."
The statement added, "Hamilton Athletics extends its deepest condolences to Dave, to the McNamara family, and to everyone at Middlebury College who loved and worked alongside Coach Mac. Her impact on this program, on this conference, and on the sport of women's hockey will not be forgotten."
McNamara graduated from Middlebury College in 2007. She helped pioneer the Panthers women's hockey team to three consecutive national championships.
