Laura Smith ’12 died in a car accident in California on June 3.Smith was a student at the Hotel school, as well as a member of the Cornell Ultimate Frisbee team and a guide for Outdoor Odyssey.“Everything about Laura was wonderful,” Neena Johnson ’12 said. “She had a love of life that was infectious. If we were supposed to be somewhere and Laura hadn’t shown up yet, everyone knew it; it would be way too quiet and there wouldn’t be enough love going around. She always said that when you first meet her she is a lot to handle, and that’s true. She’s super outgoing and friendly and it never took long for people to realize what a great person she is.”Also killed in the accident were Smith’s father and paternal grandparents, Richard Smith Ph.D. ’59 and Sally Smith ’59.“The Cornell community is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Laura Smith, her father and grandparents,” Vice President for University Communications Tommy Bruce told the Cornell Chronicle. “We wish to express our deepest condolences to the Smith family and her friends at the university.”Smith often talked about opening her own restaurant, according to Johnson. As a member of the Outdoor Odyssey executive board, she was enthusiastic about outdoor activity; she also taught classes for Cornell Outdoor Education and was planning to work at the Hoffman Challenge Course this summer, sponsored by the University Team and Leadership Center. Her sister, Sadie Smith ’10, will graduate from the College of Architecture, Art and Planning this December.“Laura was a friend to everyone she met,” Johnson said. “She was deeply involved around campus and her loss will be widespread and felt by many.”
Original Author: Brendan Doyle