PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — University officials learned recently of the tragic death of Paige Hicks, a member of the Class of 2011, in a bicyling accident near Martin, S.D., on Tuesday, July 20, 2010.

Hicks, a resident of Chesterfield, Mo., was leading a cross-country bicycle trip for Bike and Build, a national organization that raises money for affordable housing efforts by organizing sponsored cross-country cyling trips. The Providence-to-Seattle trip was Hicks’ second cross-country trip for Bike and Build.

A portion of the letter sent to the Brown community from University President Ruth J. Simmons follows:

July 22, 2010

To Members of the Brown Community:

A tragic cycling accident has claimed the life of Paige Hicks ’11. Paige was serving as a trip leader for the Bike and Build program, a nonprofit organization that raises money for affordable housing. Having completed the Providence to San Francisco ride last summer, she was en route from Providence to Seattle when the accident occurred in South Dakota on July 20. We are profoundly saddened by her death.

Passionate about the ways that the Bike and Build program helped her to see connections between health care, education, and homelessness, Paige was a devoted member of the Brown community whose efforts touched many. A Human Biology concentrator with a focus on Brain and Behavior, she was completing her requirements for medical school while pursuing her strong interest in medieval history and religious studies. In fall 2009, she studied the history of Islam and the Spanish civil war in Barcelona. Paige was a member of Brown’s ultimate frisbee team and served as a woman peer counselor.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Paige’s family and friends. ... We anticipate holding a memorial service for family and friends during the fall semester.

In celebrating Paige’s life, we will especially remember, respect and endeavor to follow her wonderful example of passion and commitment to others.

Sincerely,

Ruth J. Simmons