Updated December 16, 2011
Lees-McRae College is mourning the loss of freshman cyclist Megan Baab who was killed in an accident on US Highway 221 on Thursday, December 15.
According to reports, Baab, 19, was traveling north on US 221 in Altamont, N.C. when a southbound truck crossed the center line and struck her. Baab was air-lifted to Johnson City Medical Center, but was pronounced dead soon after arrival at the medical center from the injuries sustained.
Baab, a native of Euless, Texas, was a four discipline rider for the Lees-McRae cycling team and had competed on the national level at both USA Cycling National Championships (Track and Mountain Bike) this season for the Bobcats. She was slated to compete in January at the USA Cycling Cyclocross Championships for Lees-McRae.
“We all remember Megan as a bright and bubbly member of our campus community,” said President Barry Buxton. “She always had a smile on her face and a friendly word to say. Her contributions to our campus were noteworthy, even though we were only able to share a single semester with her. We send our most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends in Texas and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
“There is a deep sadness in my heart for the loss of Megan, to her family, her friends and teammates, we have lost a wonderful young woman,” said Director of Athletics, Craig McPhail. “She was and will always be remembered for her smile, passion and love for her friends and life, we all will greatly miss her.”
Baab came to Lees-McRae in August 2011 as a freshman and looked to make an immediate impact for the Bobcats in all disciplines, specializing in Road and Track.
“Megan was a breath of fresh air to the team,” said head coach Luke Winger. “She was incredibly positive and super fun to have around. The exciting thing for me, as a Christian, is that Wednesday my wife asked her if she was a Christian, and she joyfully stated she was; which brings me comfort knowing that she is in Heaven with the God who made her. I’m thankful for the chance to have known her.”
Condolences have been pouring in to the Lees-McRae community since the news of her passing. Details regarding a campus memorial service will be announced on the Lees-McRae College website at www.lmc.edu as arrangements are known.
A message from President Barry Buxton – December 15, 2011
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of one of our student-athletes, Megan Baab, a freshman from Euless, Texas. The College was pleased she had chosen to attend Lees-McRae College and became a member of our nationally recognized cycling team. She was on a training ride this afternoon, Thursday, December 15, when a tragic accident occurred, being struck by a car. She was life-flighted to the Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. Unfortunately, she was unable to overcome her severe injuries.
We all remember Megan as a bright and bubbly member of our campus community. She always had a smile and on her face and a friendly word to say. Her contributions to our campus were noteworthy, even though we were only able to share a single semester with her. We send our most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends in Texas and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
Details regarding a campus memorial service will be forthcoming. As arrangements are known, we will make it available via our website.
Barry Buxton, President
So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this very hard time! Class of 1994!
She was the only student on one of my Wildlife Rehab shifts earlier this semester, she was a great person and a hard worker. This is hard to believe. Rest in peace, Megan.
She was my student in Freshman High School Biology. I too saw the great person and hard worker. What a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I’ve known Megan for years – words cannot express the regret and dismay that I feel. It is a loss to all of us – she was a joy to everyone who knew her.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at Lees McRae. It’s hard on the student body when such a tragic accident occurs such as this one.
My thoughts and prayers go to her family, both on campus and off. God oftens chooses the very best among us early because He has greater plans for them.
We are very saddened to hear that she is gone. A great competitor, she was cheerful and vibrant. Our sympathy to her family, her friends and her team.
Megan, you will be dearly missed. I had alot of memories with Megan over this past semester. I’ll definitely miss seeing & hearing her at bike meetings and hearing her around campus. Campus will be emptier without Megan. Rest in peace, Megan. You will be dearly missed.
I’m so sorry and it breaks my heart. Our best to her family WOW! I’m speechless and very saddened by this tragic accident. I agree with John Hinnant.
Megan just became my sister-in-law back in May but from the time I knew her she was the joy in everyones life. She could make you laugh even when you are down, find the bright side in the worst of things, and overall one of the best and greatest person I have ever had the privlege to meet. I’m going to miss her each and every day and I just wish I could let her know she is loved and going to be missed by each and everyone around.
I don’t know you and have not heard your name before reading this. But I am very sorry to hear of your passing while simply riding.
I hate this.
Our (Team Bike Doctor, MABRA) thoughts and prayers are with Megan’s family, and hope that bicycle safety becomes a priority for Tennessee.
Don’t blame Tennessee drivers. She was killed on a North Carolina road by a North Carolina driver. Tennessee happened to be the closest trauma center.
This is just terrible. God rest her soul. And may all of us stand up and be counted to educate drivers to give a little to cyclists sharing the roads. don’t stop beating the drum
Our thoughts and prayers go out. We are all a big cycling family.
Absolute tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are definitely with the family.
Former Bobcat since 2001.
Texas has lost one of it’s brightest shining stars!
Our sadness is beyond measure, and we will miss her greatly.
Megan was the best, funniest, sweetest and feistiest step daughter anyone could have, she was a daughter to me. She was a joy in my life and has always been close in my heart. She loved cycling more than anything and brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. My heart goes out to her sisters, mother, dad, family and friends. Megan, I will miss you! Sharonzio
my thoughts and prayers go out to the family, so sad to hear of this tragic loss
The loss of any person at such a young age is truly tragic , although i did not know her, I am an LMC alumni(84) who now calls Texas (San Antonio) home . I will pray for her family and friends and the LMC family that was affected by this tragedy.
Praying for everyone involved..especially the family. Class of 2004
I am so, so sorry to hear this horrible news. My son is a student athlete at LMC , and a friend of Megan’s, and was a little overtaken by the news. A child’s life is something that is cherished and held close to a parents heart, so my thoughts and prayers definitely go out to them, as well as friends and family. Moments like these is when it hits home for everybody. Mr. Hinnant was absolutely correct by saying some are taken early for something greater. Once again, thoughts and prayers.
So sad to see this, my own daughter just came home fro winter break…condolences to the Baab family and her friends and schoolmates. RIP Megan. :-/
No way. God Bless you Megan. An awesome spirit on earth. Angel in heaven.
So sorry to hear about this. My prayers are with you.
Simply unbelievable. Our hearts our broken for you, Chris. Big Red is crushed and missing his buddy. What a beautiful human being Megan was. Texas bicycle racing will forever have a hole in the peloton.
As an LMC Class of ’91 alum, an avid cyclist, and father, it hurts my heart to read of such a gifted, kind, spirited, and loved young athlete being taken at such a young age. Prayers going out to her family and friends. I too believe, there are reasons (usually beyond our comprehension) for such tragedy’s. No doubt, her successes, impressions, and footprint on others will go on forever.
Megan, you’ll always be that little girl who out rode me, her dad and everyone else at River Legacy Park on your tiny pink Huffy. You were a great athlete then, you just didn’t know it yet. I know that everytime your father goes out to ride in the mornings or early in the evening, you’ll be right there with him, pacing him as always.
Megan was a former student of mine and will always hold a special place in my heart. Her zest for life was enormous and often catching to others lucky enough to be close to her. The world is a darker place tonight without Megan in it, and my most heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.
My heart goes out to the family and friends in Texas and at LMC.
We knew Megan from the Farmer’s Market that was held on campus. She always had that smile….that happy to be here smile.
Our thought are with the Baab family.
Easily the kindest person I’ve known. I’ve witnessed her stand up for people when it wasn’t the popular thing to do. Three years ago Megan taught me the importance of having something in life you are passionate about, and for her it was cycling. There were a few days she came to class with scrapes and cuts that would have made a grown man cry. But every time she would bounce back up and keep on going because of the passion she had for the sport she loved. She had a way of bringing joy to a room, and not just when it was needed but always. Her family and friends are in my prayers. I know God is smiling, pleased with the life she lived.
My family met Megan when she had just begun cycling in Texas. She was so excited all the time to be riding her bike. She embraced cycling with great enthusiasm and passion. The cycling community will truly miss one beautiful princess. Rest in peace. God take care of your special angle please!
Our loss is beyond description. What a wonderful young lady she was. The joy of her life spilled into all those who knew her. Oh, how we will miss you !
I am saddened to hear this news. Megan was always so cheerful and positive and encouraging to me at the bike races. She will be greatly missed by all in the cycling community. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and her cycling team. This is a horrible tragedy, we have lost a great ambassador to the sport and a beautiful spirit in the world.
Unbelieavable, she was a real treasure. Megan you will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
This is terribly sad news. Our sincere condolences to Megan’s family, friends and the LMC team. Our prayers are with you all.
Every day I see someone running or ridding their bike on 194 Hwy. Often I hold my breath while cars pass them. This morning I read the following news: “Lees-McRae cyclist Megan Baab killed in training accident.”
This roads should have a shoulder/side/pedestrian/bike way anything to make it a bit safer for them. Yes, there is not much space on the roads, and money is always an issue but I know someone will find a way to resolve this problem. Meanwhile, please drive slower.
To Megan’s family, we are so sorry for your loss. We dedicate our prayers to you.
Megan will be greatly missed. Her personality was contagious. Her presence warmed your heart. My prayers go out to her family and friends here at LMC.
Wow – what a shock. Although I watch her grow into a young lady, I will always remember Megan as the cute little girl with big bows in her hair in elementary school. My prayers will be with her family.
So sad! Too many of these accidents are happening in the high country. Cars hitting pedestrians and cyclers. Cars/drivers are dangerous. Always assume they do not see you! Whether blinded by sunshine or curves or narrow roads or in parking lots or whatever… Prayers for the family and loved ones.
Tragic…
My prayers go out to Megan and her family. She was such a sweetheart. She will be missed on campus a lot. May she rest in peace and have flights with angels.
I am very sad to hear this news. The LMC family is saddened to loose one of their own so early. My hopes for a speedy rebound for all effected and life can return to normal for all. Class of 1988
I came to know Megan at my training races in Boone this fall, although we had unknowing crossed paths while I lived in Austin. In my brief interactions with her, she impressed me as such a positive, vivacious, and determined young lady. I am simply crushed by this news, and my heart aches for the cycling team enduring another tragedy. My thoughts are with Luke, Brad, and all her friends.
So saddened to hear the news of such a tragic loss. Such an awesome and talented girl that shared her infectious and sweet smile. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family. Our girls go back to junior high days and track meets, and basketball games. I know that everyone that knew her is at such a loss this morning.
On behalf of the entire Ripon College Red Hawks cycling team, we wish peace to Megan and her family. May the happy memories last an eternity.
Our condolences to Megan’s family, teammates and friends. We all know that the sport we love comes with dangers, but we ride on because our love exceeds the danger. Megan had a great future ahead of her, so the best way to honor her memory is for all of us to give our best every day, like Megan did.
I am deeply saddened from the news of Megan’s tragic accident. I’ve know Megan and her family for many years and have watched her progress with her cycling in Texas and then onto college. I will lift Meagan, her family and friends up in prayers ceaselessly. Megan’s smile and laughter will be truly missed.
Megan it was great having the privilege to ride with you at the track. You will be greatly missed and remembered forever.
We are devastated with the terrible news Chris!! You are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your pain. Oh Megan, you are so loved by so many!!!
My heart is aching for Megan’s family and loved ones. As the parent of a collegiate cyclist I can tell you that this is my constant fear. Know she was doing what she loved.
Rest in peace, really bubbly girl. Went to school with her many years
I’d like to suggest changing some wording in this report. A training accident is when you fall down on your own accord and get some road rash. A head-on collision by a careless driver who falls asleep at the wheel is NOT a “training accident”. I also take issue with the statement “she was unable to overcome her severe injuries.” Yeah, she should have really pulled herself up by her bootstraps and gotten over this. Please see this article for more details on the non-accidental nature of this tragic crash: http://www.goblueridge.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14148
Rest in peace, Megan.
wow, this is terrible, feel really sad. Thoughts are with Megan’s family.
On behalf of the MSU Cycling Team, I want to send love to Megan’s family and friends. Most of us knew Megan from racing together in our home state of Texas. She is a wonderful, spirited young lady and will be missed, both on and off the bike.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Baab Family
Prayers go out to her friends, family, and to Lees-McRae College. Rest in peace, Megan Baab.
You have touched me. I will enjoy my life, for everything it offers. Let us be grateful. Thank you Megan for being the beautiful person you are.
Everyone at USA Cycling is deeply saddned by this tragic accident, our prayers go out to Megan, her family and friends.
I’d only met her through the Wildlife Rehab program, and she seemed like such a sweet girl. It’s a shame that she will be unable to follow her dreams for the future and live a full and happy life. RIP Megan, my prayers are with your family.
Our deepest condolences to Megan’s family, friends and the whole LMC Cycling Team.
This is horribly tragic. Condolences from all of Duke University Cycling to Megan’s family, friends, and teammates. Proper words to express the depth of sadness in this situation do not exist.
Megan, I always enjoyed riding with you and your Dad. The Texas sky has lost one of its’ Brightest Stars. Every time I throw a leg over my bike, you will be remembered.
Heartbreaking, Please take care of our young people!
It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Megan. As cycling parents, we have watched Megan and her peers race bikes throughout Texas for several years. Losing Megan is an absolute tragedy for her family, friends, and the greater cycling community. We all feel the loss.
Praying for Megan’s family and the LMC family during this tragedy.
Former Bobcat…Class of 2002
I am so incredibly sad. I loved seeing Megan at the races. My prayers are with your family.
Such a horrible loss. She was such a great athlete and an even better person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
As a cyclist and a cycling parent, I am horrified at this and send my thoughts and prayers to Megan’s friends and family – Everytime my 17 year old son goes out to ride I take a deep breath and say a prayer that he returns home safely. I am so sorry..
Praying for the Baab’s family, and her teammates and friends.
While I just ache for her family I can “feel” their prayers so powerfull soon to comfort them with such a loss. I join them in the healing that will come adding my prayers that their love of her will always carry within them her spirit.
Megan, are such a roe model for women who ride, you never stop pushing yourself to get better and better. I was in awe of your abilities as a cyclist, and push myself as much as possible to become a better rider following yours example. I will never ride again that u will not be with me in spirit, pushing me further and further down the road, reaching one goal after another.. Yours a true inspiration.. May God be with you and your dad forever and always.
My prayers are with her family and friends. This breaks my heart as a parent.
My son informed me of this last night. He remembered seeing Megan at Track Nationals as a cheerful soul.
I miss you so much Megan and I will always have a special place for you in my heart and soul as we shared so many memories as I always loved you to pieces. Keep on singing my love. Love your sister Megan
This is just crushing news. My heart is broken for her family and friends. My daughter just loved having Magen as one of her teammates. My sincerest condolences to her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am SOOOOO SORRY! My heart and prayers pour out to the family and loved ones.
This is so tragic, my prayers go out to Megan’s family, friends and cycling community. I am also sad for the young driver who struck her. It certainly was not his intent to hurt or kill anyone that day. He must live for the rest of his life with the knowledge his mistake cost someone’s life. There are no winners here, and I will be praying for both families as there lives are forever changed.
So sorry to hear this. She was loved by many.
Though I didn’t know Megan Babb personally, we join the cycling community in mourning her passing. For many, including me, a bicycle represented freedom and independence when we were children. Later, racing provided a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and focus. These are lessons that serve cyclists well throughout their lives. Megan was on the path to lifelong success; it’s sad to see that path cut short. I, and everyone at CTS, offer our sincere condolences to Megan’s family and friends.
How very sad to hear of Megan’s death. I did not know her, but I am still saddened.
I have been a victim myself of a truck crossing the center line and hitting my car in Avery County. I have seen too much careless driving in these mountain roads. How sad to hear of another biking death. Can we not band together to promote more careful driving?
I already miss her ever-present smile. Godspeed, Megan.
I will never forget our childhood memories and growing up together. I will miss you and never forget you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Love, Hailye
That’s just sick.
my prayers go out to her family, her team, friends and loved ones, and all involved.
You touched alot of people with your adventurous spirit, bright smile, and zest for life. You will be missed.
Megan was a sweet soul who will be remembered for her feisty spirit and drive to succeed. The Binion Elementary faculty is shocked and deeply saddened. To Chris and the Babb family, we send our condolences and share in your sorrow. Rest in peace, sweet girl.
Megan was a teammate and a wonderful, powerful spirit. In our short, earthly lives, we will miss her and feel great pain in our loss. Still, we will take great satisfaction in the richness that Megan continues to provide us.
She never hesitated to love.
I’ve known Megan since early elementary school and she was an amazing person. She could always make you smile or laugh and was there for everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, teammates and other friends. I love you Megan.
Way too many wonderful innocent victims like Megan are being killed and injured doing something good like bicycling. We can best honor them all by getting dangerous drivers off the roads. This 19 year old driver fell asleep. Please pull over if sleepy, turn off cell phones, don’t drink and drive. And ask your representatives to make laws to hold dangerous drivers accountable for killing or injuring others.
That is so sad – I’m sure the driver of the car was not even aware…Most incidences ofcyclists being hit by a car the Driver’s reaction is I don know where the cyclist came from!!!
Such a sad sad tragedy…Rest In Peace Megan and prayers go out for the family & friends…
This fall, I raced mountain bikes with Megan. At the chilly Mars Hill race, Megan wore these knee-high, crazy striped socks and when I saw those, and heard her contagious laughter, I knew that I wanted to be her friend! Megan has an amazing soul and we will miss her next season. She is riding her bicycle in the sky.
Dear Lees-McRae Cycling Team & College,
My deepest condolences at hearing such a tragic loss. Cyclists all over the world live with two eyes on the road, and all eyes on the passion of the sport.
With warmth,
Pol
(Kent, UK)
Our hearts grieve with the Baab family over this tragic loss! We knew Megan when she and our daughter played soccer together..her dad and uncle coached. She was a ball of fire and joy, with a can-do attitude and competitor spirit….ALWAYS a bright smile on her precious face! Although death is so painful for us here, we KNOW we will see her again in heaven. She apparently had this conversation with her cycling coach’s wife just prior to her death, and she proclaimed her faith in Christ. The sting and anguish of her loss also carries hope for her family because of this faith. We praise God for Megan’s life and pray that Chris, Marcy, her siblings, and relatives feel the love and prayers of all those who have posted. Megan touched so many in her short life! This world may have lost a bright star, but I know that heaven gained one! God bless and comfort you, dear Baab family!
I met Megan three years ago when I started riding at the age of 40. On my first group ride, she taught me how to hold my line – probably so I wouldn’t cause an accident, but she was the only one who stepped up to help me. And she was so nice about it, I wasn’t embarrassed. A few weeks later, she taught me how to take a hill – not just get up it, but conquer it! She was competitive, but never lost sight of the fact that it’s supposed to be fun. I think of her every time I see a newbie weaving all over the place and try to approach them the way she did me. I think of her every time I best a hill and still have a little left in my legs. She helped me love cycling. I am so grateful to have met her. I wish she could have stayed longer.
I don’t know Megan, but am truly saddened by this story. She sounds like an amazing person. Sincere condolences to her family and friends and the LMC campus. It’s the most tragic part of cycling, something we have no control over. I hope her positive soul and spirit was transported to another accepting human vessel, a new born, and the cycle of life continues. RIP.
So very sorry to hear of this tragic accident. Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Baab.
As members of the Banner Elk community we mourn the loss of Megan Baab Lees McRae student. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Barbara Young
Banner Elk Properties
The Oliver family is deeply saddened. Our prayers are with Megan’s family and friends as well as all cyclists everywhere.
We went on a ride with Megan’s Dad today. It was a cold Sunday morning in Texas and 300 people showed-up to ride in her memory. What a great kid! A scholarship fund has been established in her name, with more great things to come. We miss you Megan!
So sad. The death of a fellow cyclist always hurts so much. I know Megan had an exceptional life and lived it as a wonderful person.
Megan you will be missed – your bright smile, your encouraging words, your contagious laugh and your love for life. We knew you as a Lady Ram giving 110% on the volleyball, basketball and track team. Thank you for being such a shining example to all the girls and for being a friend to all. Your passing reminds me to stop and enjoy each day and to treasure each moment with my own children. Your family is on my heart and in my prayer.
Sorry to hear that , it is such a tragedy which brought a deep sadness in our heart for the loss of Megan, to her family, her friends and teammates, we have lost a wonderful young woman, and a champion. I think we should not forget to charge the driver who cause the accident, which will comfort her family in some way.
It’s shocking to here of such news from our small but knitted community. I was looking forward to meeting and having her in class.
I met Megan and her father Chris this past July 2011 at my grandson’s birthday party. She is a cousin of my son’s wife. My heart is broken and my spirit saddened by her leaving this life before she had a chance to fulfill her dreams and aspirations. I am so sorry she is no longer with us and that her father has suffered such a great loss. She is on my mind and her family are in my prayers. I am happy to know that she believed in the eternal life that is offered by her belief in Crist Jesus. We will never understand why God would take her from us and we may never accept it as just. We can only have hope that she is in his care in heaven. My love to Chris, Laura and Scott and the rest of the family.
with tears of sorrow ………Gene Cantrell 23 December 2011
When out riding with the Metro Team there was only one Megan that would make your day with warm fun loving smile and a joke…….we will all miss you Megan and you will ride with us forever.
Stuart – Team Colavita.
Praying and thinking of Megan’s family, friends and fellow sudents. I know there are no words that can make them feel better or to reduce the pain of their loss. I did not know Megan, from looking at her picture and reading the post of the people that did, I can see she was a wonderful and special person.
Thank you all for taking time to share your wonderful memories of Megan. We are very blessed to have had her for the time we did in our lives. She will be missed but her legacy continues with all the wonderful things that are being done in her honor. Again, Thank you all
So sad. The death of a fellow cyclist always hurts so much. Rip