Students gather, university responds to untimely death of student
- Staff Report
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
On Feb. 4, 2026, a student died after being transported to the Troy Regional Medical Center as a result of a medical emergency. Recently, a balloon release was held in her honor, organized by the classmates of one of her closest friends.
“The University extends its deepest sympathies to the student’s family, friends and classmates during this difficult time,” said in a statement released by the university, in conjunction with Troy University Campus Police.
Katelyn Hawkins was a native of Troy, member of the Sound of the South (SOTS) and Tau Beta Sigma sorority. She was a freshman majoring in nursing, with big plans.
According to her obituary, Hawkins lived with music in her heart and carried a smile that could brighten any room she entered. The love she shared and the joy she gave will forever be held close in the hearts of her family and friends.
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the University did not release additional details.
The Tropolitan reached out to the Sound of the South Clarinets for a statement regarding the loss of their friend.
“Ever since band camp, Katelyn has been nothing but energetic, enthusiastic, and always attaining to the highest point of her craft,” said Julian Wallace, on behalf of the SOTS clarinet section. “She was truly a blessing.
“She had such a bright soul and could brighten the mood in any situation. Katelyn will forever be in our memories and be a part of the clarinet section.
From SOTS to Tau Beta Sigma, she has defied all odds. Her tenacity, confidence, and determination made her an exemplary Trojan and sister of ΤΒΣ. We love you and will miss you forever, Katelyn.”
Samara Heard, a freshman criminal justice major from Jacksonville, North Carolina, was close friends with Hawkins.
“I met her in 10th grade and we’ve been close since,” Heard said. “Every time I moved schools and came back, she was the only one who stayed my friend.”
Katelyn was also one of the only friends Heard credited with helping her through being a single mother. With her passing, Heard lost not only a friend, but a support system.
“Losing my friend was hard, she never got to get her degree in nursing or anything – it's hard to see how fast life moves,” Heard said.
After learning these details in their Communications 2241: Fundamentals of Speech class, one of Heard’s classmates, Reegan LaMantia, a sophomore communications major from Downers Grove, Illinois, decided to help her out.
To memorialize Hawkins, LaMantia and other classmates organized a balloon release at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 13.
Heard wanted to leave everyone reading with one final message.
“Everyone else who is grieving, I ask that you reach out to someone,” Heard said. “You’re not alone.”
Flowers may be sent or a tree may be planted in her honor by visiting hollowayandhollowayfh.com.
Nate Henderson, Kathryn Clark and Ty Davidson contributed to this report.