Community mourns loss, fund established

Friday, January 14, 2011

The university and community have joined in mourning the tragic loss of OSU alums Dr. Chris Stiegler and his wife Jenny Goodpasture Stiegler in an auto accident on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. Each had earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees at OSU. Chris, 35, was an assistant professor at Texas A&M after receiving a doctorate in turfgrass management from the University of Arkansas last May. Jenny, 32, was manager at Bath & Body Works at Post Oak Mall in College Station.

The couple’s 8-month old daughter, Emily Grace, was the sole survivor of the accident that also killed another couple whose vehicle reportedly hydroplaned into the Stiegler’s path across Texas 14, between College Station and Dallas. The Stieglers were headed to Dallas for a family gathering.

The accident left Emily with two broken femurs, and a small skull fracture. She is in a cast and doing remarkably well, according to her grandfather, Dr. Jim Stiegler, OSU Emeritus Professor and former head of the plant and soil sciences department, and his wife Connie.

“She was released from the hospital on Dec. 29^th, but will remain in a bilateral spica body cast for at least six more weeks,” said professor Stiegler. “Emily’s doctors indicate that the broken bones in her femurs are starting to calcify and they expect a complete recovery. She is sleeping and eating well and playing with her cousins in the Dallas area. She is truly our ‘little angel’ and the largest blessing of all,” he said. “She will be a living reminder and tribute to both of her parents.”

“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of support for Chris, Jenny, Emily and our families. There are not enough words to adequately thank all the people in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, especially the Stillwater community for their prayers, love, concern and support throughout this difficult time,” Stiegler added.

“Chris and Jenny were two very special young people, who had touched so many lives in their short lifetime,” said Connie. “Emily lost her very loving and nurturing parents and we also lost a great son and daughter-in-law, and OSU lost two outstanding alums.”

A fund has been started to provide for Emily’s education and life. It is the Emily Grace Stiegler Fund, c/o Citizens State Bank, 4611 W. 6th Street, Stillwater, OK 74074.

For more information, go to http://www.strodefh.com/.