It is with a heavy heart that we share news that the tragic warehouse fire in Oakland has claimed the lives of at least two members of the UC Santa Cruz family.
Sara Hoda, who graduated from Merrill College in 2009, died in the fire, as did Cash Askew, a Kresge College student who attended from 2012-14.
Sara, 30, graduated with dean's honors and taught at a Montessori school in Oakland, according to news reports.
Cash, who grew up in San Francisco, was working toward a degree in art at UC Santa Cruz and remained connected to the university after she left campus
The scope of this tragedy is difficult to fathom. Authorities continue to say they expect to recover additional victims, which means it is possible Sara and Cash may not be the only campus affiliates who lost their lives. What is certain is that our community has been touched by this tragedy. Please join us in extending support to friends and colleagues who may need comfort today and in coming days.
Campus resources are available; students are encouraged to contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 831-459-2628. Faculty and staff may contact the Employee Assistance Program at 866-808-6205.
