Jacksonville University (JU) is mourning the loss of a founding member of its men's lacrosse program, Owen Tucker Green '13. The 27-year old passed away earlier this week in Colorado after a tragic skiing accident. Along with a dear friend, Green was training for the Grand Traverse, a 40-mile backcountry race across the Elk Mountains. Both men were lost in an avalanche.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own," Senior Vice President and Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert said. "We send our most heartfelt condolences to Owen's family and wish them strength through this difficult time."

Originally from Atlanta and already an accomplished student-athlete when he arrived to campus, Green majored in marketing and business. He joined the newly founded lacrosse program in 2010 and played three seasons with its inaugural class. His name still appears in the program record book for firing 12 shots against Denver during that debut season. During his JU Dolphin career, he ultimately scored 21 goals with 15 assists for a total of 36 points. Owen, along with the rest of his class, leaves a legacy which continues to impact the JU community.

Both during his time on campus and after graduation, Green was often described as a go-getter, kind hearted, and fun-loving, with an infectious positivity, can-do attitude, and winning personality.

Green resided in Aspen, working in the travel and tourism industry as a sales specialist. He spent his free time as a lacrosse coach at Aspen High School and adventuring in the countryside he most loved as a skier, avid fly-fisherman, and outdoorsman.

A moment of silence honoring Green's memory will be observed prior to the 2019 Moe's Lacrosse Classic this Saturday at D.B. Milne Field. Today, the Green family will privately celebrate Owen's life in Aspen and plans to host another gathering in the Atlanta area at a future date.