We are deeply saddened to convey the news of the death of Jackman Junior Fellow, Ariel Lee Brecht on January 2, 2023.
Ariel joined the doctoral program in medieval studies in September 2022 and was a JHI junior fellow working on manuscript studies, textual technology, and sermon studies. Her research project, Accessing the Written Word: Finding Devices in Late Medieval Personal Preaching Aids is a bright and faithful reflection of her vibrant personality. According to her sister, Alyssa, “Ariel loved history, learning, and discovering. She wanted to make the world a better place, and school gave her the space to flourish academically.” This is how everyone has known Ariel and will remember her.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ariel’s family and her partner Kyle. Our thoughts are with them, as well as with her friends, fellow students, and colleagues. We join them in mourning her loss.