Former University of Maryland track and field athlete and 2008 graduate Sean Lowe (1986-2016) passed away Feb. 11 after a head-on collision with a drunk driver in Lawrenceville, Ga.

Lowe's girlfriend, Shanala Fischer-Williams, and son Cameron, were also seriously injured in the accident are currently recovering.

“Coaching Sean was one of the highlights of my career,” head coach Andrew Valmon said. “I have never met an athlete who was so selfless in what he was willing to give back for his teammates. He was an incredible man and doting father. We need more people like Sean in the world and I will make sure that his legacy lives on in Terp Nation.  I am praying for strength for his family during this time and especially for his girlfriend, Shanala and son, Cameron.”

During his time at Maryland from 2004-2008, Lowe became a powerhouse in the 400m dash.  He culminated his career, anchoring the ACC 4x400m relay team to victory at the 2008 indoor championships along with teammates, Jeremy Samuels, Kyle Rauser, and Anthony Walker.  This same year, Lowe improved his time in the 400m dash to 46.57 seconds, which is the second-best mark in Maryland history. 

Despite his personal success, Lowe always brought forth a phenomenal effort when it came to team relays. 

There was nothing that motivated him more than running for others.  Because of these efforts, Lowe found himself on the podium alongside his teammates many times throughout his career.  Aside from the ACC Championship, the team of Rauser, Samuels, and Earl Gray posted a third place finish in the 4x400m relay in 2007 at the Penn Relays.  

Information on memorial services for Sean can be found below.

Saturday, February 27th, 2016
2pm-6pm 
NYC Society of Cultural Ethics
2 West 64th Street @ Central Park West
New York, NY 10023

Saturday, March 5th, 2016
2pm
Roswell Funeral Home
950 Mansell Rd
Roswell, GA 30076

Memories from teammates of Sean

Rob Duru

Two stories remind me of how great Sean was. The first was in pre-season my Junior year, I was doing one of those workouts that as a sprinter I had no business being a part of. But, I went for the long run after a workout with Sean and some of the middle distance guys. Sean kept on motivating me to keep up and stick with the group. I remember thinking that this was a good dude, He could have easily left me back and finished his workout quicker and be down, but he didn't he made sure that pushed myself beyond what I thought my personal limits were. He wanted so much for each of his teammates to be successful and he was so humble and caring for me, I will be forever grateful for his friendship. 

The second was a more fun story after we graduated each had gone our separate ways in life and we were at Rinde's wedding and we just reminisced all night about some of our crazy practices and teammates. We both talked about fatherhood; Sean had just had Cameron and my son had yet to be born. The joy to which he spoke about his brother and mom and the joy he felt for his upcoming family was contagious and it was great to have fun like it was the old times. 

Sean was a great person and a true friend to those that knew him. He will truly be missed.

Adam Durham

When I first met Sean I was his host and he was my recruit. Coach Valmon told me I would be hosting this big time kid from New York who broke countless state records. When he showed up to the office, there stood this little dude about 5'9" 135 lbs with baggy clothes, adorned like a hanger, and a swagger that matched the size of the state he hailed from. We instantly became friends as I could tell he was hungry but more importantly humble. He told me of his family, both of us raised by our mothers, and about his younger siblings. We talked about how much we could accomplish if he came to UMD and all the records we could break. He instantly was not just my recruit, but a teammate in my eyes. We remained close and have kept in contact well since our days between those white lines at UMD and still talked of all the records we would break in life. God truly has gained an angel and we not only lost a good friend but a brother. I'll carry you always with me between those white lines S.Dot. You are gone but will never be forgotten. 

Dominic Berger

Sean Lowe was more than a teammate, roommate, or friend.  He was a Brother.  There are hundreds of stories of fun times we had.  One of the first stories that I can remember was freshman year.  Sean and I were roommates in Carson, CA for the USA Junior nationals.  We spent the whole last night yelling and celebrating that we both made the USA team.  It felt like we were celebrating a Super Bowl win.  He was always in good spirits and always supportive.  One of the GREAT ones.

Toni Aluko

Sean had the most infectious laugh and smile, and was always in a good mood. I remember how he would always call me "T. Lukes" whenever he saw me, a nickname that was stuck after all of these years. I also know that he was very family oriented and would talk about his mom, brother, and grandmother and how much they meant to him. Since Sean was from New York, I used make fun of him because he walked so fast all the time! I had to tell him that he since he was in the South now, he could slow down a bit lol. But he just couldn't help it!  I especially loved watching him glide around the track whenever he would anchor those epic 4x400 relays. Sean Lowe, you will be missed, and you will always be a part of Maryland Track and Field family, c/o 2008! We love you!

Candace Frost (Holness)

Sean was an inspiring teammate and friend.  His dedication and hardworking attitude inspired us all. I remember waking up for hills in the morning, and struggling to get up those hills. But seeing Sean push through his tiredness and excel as he ran during those early mornings inspired me to want to do better. 

Jillian Anwah

Sean was just so happy.  He was always in good spirits and had lots of Jillian nicknames.  Sean had bad asthma, and on those days when it was cold, it was hard to run. But I remember him persevering through his workouts and just having laser focus. He worked so hard! The results were apparent when he kept getting better times and he was so humble about it.

Christina Harrison (Smith)

Sean never let anything hold him back.  He wanted us all to be better because we were one team. I will say he was always better at pull-ups than the rest of us. I couldn't hold a candle to his pull-ups. Believe me, I tried!

Aysha Gregory

James [Rolle] and Sean would have full conversations using just Jay-Z lyrics. They loved talking music and fighting over who was the best rapper of all time. The two of them and Dominic [Berger] would also argue over who called me Ayshboogie first. I always thought it was Sean.