Western Oregon Journal

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            The loss of life is a tragedy that often strikes suddenly and affects countless hearts in its wake. Such disaster struck Western on Friday, May 27 when Leah Trutna lost her life.

            Early Saturday, May 28, police were dispatched to an accident on Front Street NE at the on-ramp of the Marion Street Bridge. John Williams drove the motorcycle to which Trutna was a passenger. After initial investigation, it was determined that Williams was traveling Northbound on Front Street, and was driving too fast to safely take the turn onto the on-ramp. He lost control, and Trutna was thrown from the motorcycle.

            Trutna was a junior at Western working on a degree in Biology. She was a top competitor for Western’s cross-country team, while maintaining an impressive 3.72 GPA. Trutna was also a three-year letter winner in cross-country and track, as well as a two-time selection for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference All-Academic team for both sports.

            Outside of school and off the field, Trutna touched the hearts of innumerable people; all who knew her loved her, and all who did not know her missed out.

            Memorial services were held Wednesday, June 1 in Salem, Ore. and also in Colorado Springs, Colo., where Trutna was from.

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