obituarychroniclenews.name.ng/ | Verified

The Saint Ignatius College Prep community in Chicago is mourning the death of Hazel Krauss, a member of the Class of 2026 who was killed in a pedestrian accident near the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. Krauss, 19, was a freshman at the University of Florida when she was struck by a vehicle while crossing West University Avenue on Saturday night, October 24, 2026.

Her death has deeply affected her former classmates, teachers, coaches and teammates, as well as members of the University of Florida community. Saint Ignatius College Prep paid tribute to its former student, remembering her contributions to academics, athletics, faith and service.

The fatal collision occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. near 2300 West University Avenue. Gainesville police said a vehicle travelling eastbound swerved while attempting to avoid another car. The vehicle struck Krauss, who was crossing the road, before also colliding with the other vehicle.

She was taken to UF Health Shands Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Hazel Krauss Cause of Death: What Happened?

Hazel Krauss died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle in Gainesville, Florida, according to reports of the police investigation.

The accident happened on October 24, 2026, shortly after 11:30 p.m. at approximately 2300 West University Avenue, near the University of Florida campus.

According to Gainesville police, a driver travelling eastbound attempted to avoid another vehicle. During the manoeuvre, the vehicle struck Krauss as she crossed the street. The driver’s vehicle also struck the other car involved in the incident.

Emergency assistance was provided at the scene. Krauss was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital, where she later died.

Her death was reported as a fatal pedestrian-vehicle collision. There is no verified information establishing that she was shot or killed in a murder or shooting incident.

Nurse Stopped to Help Hazel Krauss

One of the most emotional details reported after the accident involved a registered nurse who happened to be driving through the area.

Porchia Hardy stopped when she saw the injured student and attempted to help until emergency responders arrived.

Hardy later spoke publicly about the incident, explaining that she wanted Krauss’s family to know that their daughter had not been alone during those critical moments. She said people at the scene cared about her and tried to provide assistance.

Her account brought attention to the efforts made by members of the public who stopped to help following the collision.

The nurse’s actions also became part of the wider community’s remembrance of Krauss, as people reflected on the strangers who tried to support her before emergency services took over.

Police Investigation Into the Gainesville Accident

Gainesville police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

According to the initial police account, the driver of the vehicle that struck Krauss had swerved in an attempt to avoid another car. The manoeuvre resulted in the vehicle striking both the pedestrian and the other vehicle.

Police also confirmed that a driver suspected of being under the influence was arrested at the scene, but that vehicle was not involved in the collision. Authorities have not announced charges against the driver involved in the crash in the reports reviewed.

The investigation remains important in establishing the full circumstances of the accident, including the actions of the drivers and the events immediately before the impact.

Saint Ignatius College Prep Mourns Hazel Krauss

Saint Ignatius College Prep, the Chicago school from which Krauss graduated in 2026, expressed sadness over the loss of its former student.

In its memorial statement, the school described her as someone who reflected the qualities it hoped to see in its graduates, including intellectual curiosity, faith, love for others and a commitment to justice.

The school also recognised the lasting mark she made through her participation in academics, athletics, faith activities and service.

Its message extended condolences to her family, describing the loss as unimaginable and expressing support for her loved ones as they grieved.

The announcement brought together members of the Saint Ignatius community in remembrance of a young woman whose school years had included several activities and relationships that continued to matter to her former classmates and teachers.

Hazel Krauss’s Life at Saint Ignatius College Prep

During her time at Saint Ignatius College Prep, Krauss was involved in several areas of school life.

She participated in the girls’ volleyball and bowling teams and was active in student organisations. She was also a member of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, a Spanish-language academic honour society.

Her involvement in the school’s faith community included serving as a Kairos retreat leader. She also participated in service work with Opportunity Knocks, an organisation supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

These activities reflected a student whose interests extended beyond the classroom and into athletics, faith, leadership and community service.

The school remembered her as a graduate who made a meaningful contribution to the people around her.

Remembering Hazel as a Volleyball Teammate and Leader

Krauss’s death also affected the volleyball community in Chicago, where she had played for Chicago Elite Volleyball.

Her coach, Kayla Malec, remembered working with her from the age of 12. Krauss wore jersey number 41 and served as a team captain.

Malec described her as a dedicated athlete who was committed to improving her game and contributing to her team.

The coach and other members of the volleyball community recalled the experiences they shared with Krauss, including matches, victories and the relationships developed through years of playing together.

Her former Saint Ignatius volleyball teammates also faced the loss while continuing their participation in the state playoff competition. The team and its wider school community were left balancing their sporting commitments with the grief of losing a former teammate.

University of Florida Community Affected by Student’s Death

At the time of her death, Krauss was a freshman at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Her death brought sadness to the university community, where fellow students were reminded of how quickly an ordinary night can turn into a life-changing tragedy.

The accident also renewed attention to pedestrian safety around busy roads near university campuses, particularly where students regularly walk between residential areas, shops and campus facilities.

The investigation into the collision continues to be relevant to understanding what happened and whether further action will be taken.

Hazel Krauss Personal Details

A Community Remembers Hazel Krauss

Hazel Krauss is being remembered by two communities that formed important parts of her young life: Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago and the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Her former school has highlighted her academic interests, athletic participation, faith and commitment to service. Her volleyball coach and teammates have recalled her dedication to the sport and the relationships she built over the years.

The nurse who stopped to assist her after the accident also offered a reminder that people tried to care for her in the moments following the collision.

For her family, friends and classmates, the loss of a 19-year-old whose future was still unfolding is deeply painful. As they mourn, the tributes from her school, teammates and wider community continue to reflect the connections she made during her life.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the supplied memorial information and publicly reported details of the Gainesville police investigation. Hazel Krauss died following a pedestrian-vehicle collision; reports reviewed do not support claims that she was shot or murdered. The investigation remains subject to official updates. Funeral and memorial arrangements should be confirmed through her family or authorised representatives.