Student Dies In Car Accident

Every so often the unreal becomes real when the unexplainable loss of a premature life occurs. UConn students, family and friends are mourning the loss of young man who "truly loved life."

Eighteen-year-old freshman Gregory Ryan Landau was killed March 7 while home on Spring break in Miramar, Fla. when the car he was driving crashed into a concrete pillar on a local Interstate, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Landau was driving his 2003 Volkswagon southbound on I-75 in the outside lane at 1:18 a.m. when for unknown reasons, Landau lost control of the car, veered across all lanes of the highway into the median, and slammed into the concrete pillar, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said in an article on MiamiHerald.com.

The car split into two pieces, and the driver who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected, according to FHP in the article. The car then caught fire. Landau was pronounced dead at the scene.

The UConn community was informed of the tragic loss early Wednesday morning through a university e-mail sent by Vice President for Student Affairs, John Saddlemire.

"It is with deep regret and great sadness that I write to inform you of the untimely loss of a student member of our campus community," Saddlemire said in the e-mail.

According to Saddlemire, Landau was a 2005 graduate of Everglades High School and a popular student leader. He was an active member of UConn Roller Hockey and Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), a Jewish fraternity.

He was a fun, outgoing kid to be around, said Andrew Geisler, a 2nd-semester exploratory major

"He was my best friend," Geisler, said. "We pledged AEPi together. I was with him almost every minute of everyday."

As a newer member in our chapter, Greg did not have an official role, but that did not stop him from taking it upon himself to step up and help out when he was needed, according to Eric Teisch, a 4th-semester communications major, and president of the fraternity.

While pledging, Greg made sure his pledge class would remain close knit through pledging once they were initiated as brothers, Teisch said.

"The last conversation I had with Greg before spring break was about how he wanted to represent Alpha Epsilon Pi on the executive board in the Interfraternity Council (IFC) by applying to run for elections, which were recently held this week," he said. "Unfortunately, I was unable to sit down with him to plan out his application. I'm never going to forget how he called me over at the dinner and ask me to help him out."

Amanda Lange, a 2nd-semester exploratory major said Landau was like a brother to her and would play the guitar for her when she was upset.

"He wouldn't leave the room even if I was yelling at him to get out," she said. "He was the type of guy you would always want to be around. He made you smile, laugh and have fun all the time."

Melissa Clark, a 2nd-semester exploratory major agreed Landau always had a smile on his face.

"He was sweet and kind," she said. "I don't remember ever hearing negative words coming out of his mouth. He could walk into any room, sit down and feel welcomed."

Landau, a Florida native, never experience snow or New England weather.

Lange said Landau wanted to leave Florida because he wanted to experience "what else is out there, being adventurous and all."

"I've never seen snow, but I've already drawn up plans for the best snow fort ever," reads in Landau's Facebook profile.

Geisler said it was really exciting for Landau when he did see snow for the first time up here at school.

"I remember the first thing I learned about him was that he had never seen snow," Clark said. "I remember going outside in the quad the night of the first snow and having a snowball fight with him and Andrew [Geisler] and others from the floor."

While Landau was home on spring break, Lange and two of her girlfriends went down to Florida to visit him. Lange said she was with him his last night.

"He was on his way home from hanging out with us," she said. "It was very tough on our parts. We attended his funeral on Thursday down in Florida."

Clark said Landau loved playing his guitar and he would serenade her to sleep while playing his music.

"I fell asleep to him playing the guitar," she said. "I think about that every night I go to bed now-the sounds of him playing the guitar."

Teisch reflected on his memories of Landau, describing the strong head on his shoulders. "It showed when you talked to him, that we would be able to accomplish all of his goals, whether it be in his own fraternity, IFC, the Greek community, the roller hockey team, his classes and his future," Teisch said.

According to Saddlemire in the e-mail, the Hillel is planning a memorial service for the student community the first week of April, details of which will be forthcoming.

"He is the most energetic, caring, and amazing person I've ever known," Lange said. "He's given me the strength to pull through times I've never even imagined I could get through. He was a brother to me, and a best friend."