UAH Releases Statement On Sudden Passing Of Shooting Survivor Dr. Joe Leahy

Dr. Joe Leahy, a survivor of the UAH shootings in 2010, died unexpectedly at his home Sunday. No other details regarding cause of death were revealed.

Leahy spent several weeks at Huntsville hospital, before transferring to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. In April 2010, Leahy was released from the Shepherd Center and eventually returned to teaching.

A year later, Leahy returned to the classroom at UAH. The shooting left him blind in one eye, but he used technology and perseverance to continue teaching.

Amy Bishop Anderson shot Leahy and five others during a biology department meeting on February 12, 2010. Three of the victims died in 2010. Bishop Anderson pleaded guilty to attempted murder and capital murder. Alabama law required a trial precede the plea. Leahy attended the proceedings. He was not called to testify because he did not witness the shooting. Bishop Anderson is serving life in prison. source

UAH released the following statement on the passing of Dr. Leahy:

“It is with much sadness that we report the passing of Joseph Leahy, an admired member of UAH’s Biological Sciences Department. His presence will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ginny and his family.”

A wake and memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17 at 6 p.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Madison. The funeral mass will be Wednesday, October 18 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends at this difficult time.