Duke art history professor identified as victim of deadly crash near campus
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham Police have confirmed the identity of the man killed in a crash Friday near Duke University.
On Sunday, DPD told ABC11 that the victim was Hans Van Miegroet, 71.
According to the Duke Chronicle, he was a professor of art and art history at the university.
The crash happened on Academy Road near Duke University Road. Police said his car went off the road and crashed into a wooded area.
Van Miegroet was pronounced dead at the scene.
WATCH: Former student warmly remembers late Duke professor
The university posted a lengthy tribute to Miegroet online Monday. It began simply with, "Duke professor Hans Van Miegroet's office in Smith Warehouse was seldom empty and rarely quiet."
Click here to read the full tribute.
The Dean of Trinity College of Arts and Sciences sent out the following statement:
Dear Colleagues,
I share painful news regarding our community. It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the passing of Professor Hans J. Van Miegroet of Art, Art History & Visual Studies, who passed away in a single-car accident near West Campus on Friday night.
Hans was a long-serving member of the Trinity faculty. Throughout his career, he mentored numerous graduate students and taught a popular AAHVS undergraduate course, "History of Art Markets." His scholarly pursuits were vast and impactful, spanning disciplines from the humanities to law and the social sciences. He explored questions of copyright and cultural heritage and the intersection of visual culture and commerce, both in emerging and historical contexts.
Hans was also a past chair of the department, launched a Media Arts + Sciences program in 2013, and was currently serving as a director of undergraduate studies, a role AAHVS Department Chair Paul Jaskot has graciously offered to fill. While details regarding a memorial service are not yet available, the department intends to host an event later this semester to honor his memory.
Moments like these are a reminder that our time together is precious, and a fleeting gift. I urge you to keep Hans' family, friends, colleagues, and students in your thoughts and to extend your support to them in whatever capacity you can.
With heartfelt condolences,
Gary G. Bennett, Ph.D.
Dean of Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
