Lees-McRae College will hold a memorial service to honor freshman cyclist Megan Baab, who passed away in a tragic training accident last month, on Thursday, January 12 at 2 p.m. in Evans Auditorium, announced College officials Friday.
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.
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.
“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.”
“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 [before the accident] 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.”
The Lees-McRae athletic department will offer a streaming webcast of the service via lmcbobcats.com. Those interested in watching the broadcast can access the live stream by clicking on the “America One” link on the right-hand side of the homepage.
May she rest in peace in God’s loving arms forever.
To the Baab My condolences to you during this time.
Love,
Elisa De La Torre
Megan lives in the people who know her. I can feel her breath.
Dear Megan,
I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TO YOU BECAUSE I WANT YOU TO KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME. I REGRET I NEVER GOT TO MEET YOU FACE TO FACE, BUT THE BEAUTIFUL TESTIMONY FROM YOUR DAD CONVINCED ME YOU LIVED FULL LIFE. I WILL GIVE TO YOUR FOUNDATION, AND I WILL CARRY YOUR NAME TO VICTORY IN TEXAS STATE TIME TRIAL EVENT FOR OVER 40 AGE DIVISION.
YOU WHO NOW LIVE ON IN HEAVEN ALREADY KNOW I HAVE SPOKEN WITH YOUR FATHER, CHRIS , AND TOGETHER WE DECIDED I WOULD TRAIN , RACE, AND WIN WITH YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN PINK (YOUR FAVORITE COLOR) ,AND MY DAUGHTER SAM’S NAME WRITTEN IN GREEN(HER FAVORITE COLOR) JUST AFTER YOURS. THESE NAMES TOGETHER SYMBOLIZE TOO TWO FATHERS WHAT WONDERFUL CHILDREN WE HAVE AND HOW WE ARE THANKFUL TO GOD.
I AM THINKING OF CALLING ALL MY ACTIVITY ON THE BIKES I HAVE AS TIME SPENT WITH TWO GREAT GIRLS. YOUR HEART NOW BEATS INSIDE OF ME AND I WILL BRING YOUR FAMILY AND CHURCH A TROPHY IN 3 YEARS.
SINCE YOU NOW GET TO INTERCEDE ON MY BEHALF JUST AS YOU WOULD HAVE IF YOU MET ME IN PERSON HERE ON EARTH. WOULD YOU PRAY FOR MY SAFETY. I AM 41 AND CANNOT AFFORD ANY INJURY THAT WILL HINDER MY TRAINING AND PREPARATION FOR SUMMER 2015 TIME TRIAL RACE.
I HAVE HAD 5 CRASHES IN 11 MONTHS, AND THAT’S. JUST WAY TO MANY. PLEASE BE WITH ME GUIDING ME SAFELY OVER AND THROUGH TREACHEROUS TERRAIN AS I CONTINUE TO PUSH THIS OLD BODY TO THE LIMIT SO I DO NOT DISAPPOINT YOU OR MY DAUGHTER IN 3 YEARS.
IT IS JUST AMAZING TO ME HOW I SOMEHOW FEEL AS IF I KNOWN YOU YOUR WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE, BUT IN REALITY I NEVER MET YOU.
ANYWAY I WILL SEE YOU AND SAM ON THE BIKE.
I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR INSPIRING ME TO A LEVEL THAT I HAVE NOT EVEN BEGUN TO UNDERSTAND.
IN OUR HEAVENLY FATHERS SERVICE, PASTORS, MARK, LAURIE, AND SAMANTHA ELY
P.S. I WILL WRITE YOU ANOTHER LETTER NEXT MONTH LETTING YOU KNOW MY TRAINING PROGRESS. UNTIL THEN I WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO COMFORT YOUR FAMILY HEAR ON EARTH. GOD BLESS
P.S.S IF ANYONE WHO READS THIS ,AND FEELS LEAD BY GOD TO PRAY FOR MY TRAINING AND SAFETY I WOULD APPRECIATE IT KINDLY. IF YOU NEED PRAYER CALL ME ON MY CELL 817 707 6190 OR E=MAIL ME AT markemon23@att.net