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UW student killed in Hong Kong vehicle crash
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A University of Wisconsin student studying abroad through the Semester at Sea program was killed in Hong Kong on the morning of Nov. 7.
Kurt Leswing, 21, was struck and killed by a motor vehicle while traveling in Hong Kong, according to a release from the Institute for Shipboard Education.
The release also said Hong Kong authorities indicated the driver of the vehicle was intoxicated and arrested at the scene.
Leswing, originally from Milwaukee, was a UW senior majoring in business.
ISE reported Leswing is survived by his parents, who live in Milwaukee, and twin brother, Tait.
The Semester at Sea program is academically sponsored through the University of Virginia and sends students on a 15-week voyage that circumnavigates the globe, typically stopping in Africa, India, East Asia and Latin America.
Lauren Heinz, spokesperson for Semester at Sea, said 679 students from universities across the country are enrolled this semester, 12 of whom are from UW, including Leswing.
Heinz said parents of all current Semester at Sea participants were notified of Leswing’s death, adding the number of responses from families offering support for the Leswing family was “truly moving.”
“I think everyone has pulled together at SAS because there’s a small community on the ship — everyone knows one another — and all students, faculty and staff have all pulled together to support one another,” Heinz said.
UW Dean of Students Lori Berquam said her office heard of the incident Friday morning, calling Leswing’s death “incredibly tragic and sad for the family and for friends.”
Berquam said one of the hardest parts of the situation was that “this young man was off doing amazing things in this study abroad program.”
She added UW will assist the Leswing family in any way they need, and any UW students seeking support are encouraged to stop by the Offices of the Dean of Students or University Health Services Counseling Center.
ISE said students on the voyage, who will be leaving Shanghai, China on Tuesday, are being offered support and counseling and a shipboard commemoration is being planned.
Heinz said in lieu of flowers, Leswing’s family has requested donations be made in Kurt’s name to Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee.
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I sailed a long time ago and my daughter sailed in 2004. This is a very sad day for the friends and families of Semester at Sea.
The SAS experience is unique and students and faculties have a bond every semester and across semesters over decades.
This could have happened outside an urban mall in any city in the US or on any freeway.
Atleast this young man was on “His Journey” experiencing the best time of his life.
Semester at Sea has lost students over the years. In my voyage, we lost 2 in a day. One had a heart attack and the other was killed in a car accident.
When my daughter sailed in 2004, I was not concerned about her safety. I would rather see her travel the world than be killed on a freeway 10 minutes from our home.
God Bless this family. You are in our prayers.
My daughter and I talked about this all weekend. It’s a sad day for thousands of SAS staff, crew, and alumni - a legacy of 45 years of adventure and enrichment for so many world travelers.
Your son will always be part of that enduring legacy of Semester at Sea and he will long be remembered as a treasured alumni of one of the greatest experiences life has ever offered.
“Take the anger from your hearts, wipe the tears from God’s eyes and live a life of love.” This meant so much to Kurt. He was a beautiful person and a great friend. Stay strong to everyone who knew him. Much love.