Many Remember Coach Who Died In Lacrosse Team Bus Crash
BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- Investigators are looking into what caused the deadly bus crash involving Seton Hill University women's lacrosse team. The coach, who grew up in Baltimore County, and the driver were killed Saturday when their bus veered off a highway and hit a tree.
Mike Hellgren spoke to a friend and former coach of Kristie Quigley.
This was a coach who touched so many lives. She went above and beyond her job description. Her family didn't want to go on camera but did want to say a big thank you to the community.
Kristina Quigley's family say the Seton Hill University lacrosse coach was selfless and wanted to make the world a better place. They're touched by the worldwide outpouring of support they've gotten since she died in a bus crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The crash injured several other team members and its cause remains under investigation.
Jason Bellamy was Quigley's friend and former teacher at Dundalk High School, where she graduated in 2001.
"Just complete sadness and shock and devastation. She had a young family--her husband Glenn and her son Gavin. Every time I was with her, family was the most important thing to her, whether that was her husband and son or her family here...that was always her priority and always the most important thing to her. Talking about family, you just saw the glow in her," said Bellamy.
Quigley's family didn't want to speak on camera because they didn't want to commercialize her death. They say she worked tirelessly to help others and she became a coach to shape lives.
A memorial fund set up to provide a scholarship for her young son has already surpassed its original goal and a Facebook page shows ribbons other teams are wearing in her honor.
"Her passion for working with kids and developing relationships...she was just all about developing relationships and lacrosse was her avenue to do it," Bellamy said.
Quigley's family is also mourning her unborn son. She was six months pregnant at the time of the bus crash. Her funeral will be held Friday.
Quigley's mom says she was a beautiful woman who gave so much from the heart to so many.
The bus was up-to-date on its inspections as far as we know. The bus driver also died in the crash.
If you'd like more information on the memorial fund for her son, click here.
