UNL faculty and students mourn the loss of a grad student

Dane LeClair’s body was found on Sunday when Lincoln Police and Lincoln Fire responded to reports of a body found downtown.

The 22–year–old fell off the fourth story of the Lumberworks parking garage near 7th and N. 

LeClair was a business graduate student and grad assistant for the UNL volleyball team. Head Coach John Cook says his teamwork and values live on through them.

“Yesterday was a long tough day and again its a coach’s worst nightmare when stuff like this happens,” said Cook. “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare for those of you that have kids. You know it’s just the worst nightmare and it’s something I always worry about.”

Lincoln Police believe LeClair’s death was accidental. One of his professors spoke fondly of him, saying he was a great addition to her class.

“Dean was an absolutely outstanding student, very passionate. He really wanted to do his best,” said Elina Ibrayeva, a UNL professor.

Cook speaks highly of him saying there is now a hole in the department.

“It’s a brotherhood and sisterhood they’re very tight,” said Cook. “They all share an office together. They all, basically its a pack that runs together and they do everything together and they’re devastated.”

 Ibrayeva adds in team evaluations fellow students said LeClair was awesome to work with. She read one of his essays, where she quotes his core values.

“His core values are honesty, passion, courage, aspiration and gratitude, said Ibrayeva. “He was an incredibly happy and motivated person and it is just a treasure and an honor to be able to  deal and work with people like Dean.”

Police are still investigating LeClair’s death and his family in New York has been notified.