PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — University officials learned early on Thursday, Jan. 17, that a car accident on I-95 near Attleboro, Massachusetts, claimed the life of a Brown graduate student and injured three other members of the University community.

A letter to Brown students, faculty and staff from the University’s vice president for campus life, Graduate School dean, and dean of the College is included below. Details on date, time and location for a campus gathering have been redacted, since that event is intended for Brown community members specifically.  

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Jan. 17, 2019

Dear Members of the Brown Community,

Early this morning, the Massachusetts State Police alerted Brown’s Department of Public Safety to a tragic accident that occurred on I-95 near Attleboro, Massachusetts. With profound sadness, we write to share the heartbreaking news that Brown graduate student Maryori Conde lost her life in the accident.

A native of South Central Los Angeles, Maryori earned her bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies from Brown, graduating last May in the Class of 2018. This year, she began studies in the University’s master of arts in teaching program, with aspirations to become a high school history teacher to predominantly serve low-income, first-generation students of color.

As many know firsthand, Maryori was deeply connected to Brown’s community of first-generation college students and those from low-income families. As an undergraduate, she co-founded Latinx House, the Latinx Conference and the Central American United Student Association. Her impact extended well beyond campus through her work as a teacher and tutor with Breakthrough Providence and her consistent efforts to engage members of the Providence community in her work at Brown. Maryori was also a treasured student staff member in the Office of the Dean of the College. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she worked in University Hall ensuring that students, staff and visitors alike were welcomed and supported.

We are working today to support Maryori’s family during this difficult time, and our hearts go out to all of her friends and family members at Brown and beyond.

In addition to the tragic death of Maryori, a fellow graduate student who sustained injuries in this morning’s accident remains hospitalized. Two recent Brown undergraduates also in the vehicle have been treated and released. Deans from Brown have reached out directly to each of the affected individuals and are actively offering support in the aftermath of the accident.

We understand that this news is deeply distressing to all members of the Brown community. In such moments, it is important that we offer each other support and comfort. Any member of the campus community who is currently on campus and wishes to gather for in-person support and conversation is encouraged to visit [Editor’s Note: event details redacted]. Staff from Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Support Services, the Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life, the Graduate School, the College, and the Undocumented, First-Generation College and Low-Income Student Center will be on hand.

In addition to today’s community gathering, please remember that there are many resources to support you, whether you are on campus or not. Those resources include the staff at Counseling and Psychological Services, deans in Student Support Services and the Graduate School, and University Chaplains, either in person or by phone.

Sincerely,

Eric S. Estes
Vice President for Campus Life

Andrew G. Campbell
Dean of the Graduate School

Rashid Zia
Dean of the College