A Trio Lost

Fredrick J. Montz, M.D. 1955-2002		David A. Nagey M.D. Ph.D. 1950-2002		Jeffery A. Williams, M.D. 1951-2002

We could not let the year 2002 come to a close without noting the untimely deaths of three remarkable Hopkins physicians -- David Nagey and Rick Montz, both with the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and neurosurgeon Jeffery Williams. Nagey and Montz died while jogging; Williams while exercising at the Cooley Center. Sudden cardiac death is not an uncommon occurrence, especially in the United States where it accounts for more than a quarter million deaths each year. Considering the size of the Hopkins Hospital campus, perhaps statistically we should not be surprised by the abrupt deaths of three faculty members. But their occurrence, over a period of seven months, has given many of us pause.

Hundreds of letters and e-mails from patients and colleagues have found their way to Hopkins following the deaths of these noted physicians. Here are just a few reminiscences from people who worked closely with Drs. Nagey, Montz and Williams.