Tragedy Strikes Beloved Professor's Family: A Story of Resilience and Community Support

Doug Gin, a beloved professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, was just weeks away from retirement when a devastating car crash claimed his life and left his wife, Jeanne Loi, in critical condition. Now, their two children, Amanda and her older brother, are faced with the daunting task of managing their mother's recovery, the family's finances, and their father's funeral arrangements.

Honoring a Life Well-Lived and a Family in Need

A Sudden and Tragic Accident

On July 5th, Doug Gin and his wife Jeanne Loi were involved in a high-speed head-on collision on U.S. 287, just south of Oxford Road. The crash, which involved five vehicles, occurred as the couple was driving back to their home in Longmont after dropping off their daughter Amanda in Denver and stopping for groceries in Broomfield. The family is now awaiting further details from the police investigation into the incident.

A Family in Crisis

Amanda Gin, the couple's daughter, described the situation as "overwhelming and very sad." Jeanne Loi, who is in critical condition, has sustained injuries to her brain, lungs, digestive tract, and various bone fractures throughout her body. Her recovery is expected to be a long and arduous process, taking weeks or even months, according to Amanda.

Rallying Community Support

In the wake of this tragedy, the Gin family has created a GoFundMe page to help cover Jeanne's medical bills and Doug's funeral expenses. The page has already raised over ,000 as of Thursday, with donations pouring in from friends, colleagues, and even strangers who have been touched by the family's story.

Honoring a Beloved Professor

Doug Gin, a chemistry professor at CU Boulder, was highly respected and admired by his colleagues and students. His longtime colleague, Rich Noble, described him as a "great mentor" who was dedicated to his work and deeply cared for those around him. Noble and Gin had collaborated on various research projects and co-advised students for nearly 20 years.

Postponing Academic Pursuits

In the wake of this tragedy, Amanda Gin has deferred starting her graduate studies for a year, and her older brother will take a temporary leave from his own doctoral program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Both siblings are pursuing degrees in chemistry, but they have made the decision to prioritize their family's needs during this difficult time.

Remembering a Life Well-Lived

Amanda Gin fondly remembers her father's love for animals, science fiction books, and his passion for cars, especially red ones. She described him as a "good guy" who was deeply invested in science, chemistry, and research, while also being a skilled handyman and home renovator. Doug Gin's sister-in-law, Mary Gin, echoed these sentiments, describing the couple as "private people who were devoted to those around them."

A Celebration of Life

Due to the sudden nature of Doug Gin's passing, the retirement party that was originally planned at CU Boulder will now be transformed into a celebration of his life, scheduled for August. Rich Noble expressed that the outpouring of love and support since the tragedy has been a testament to the profound impact Doug Gin had on the lives of those around him.