Student from Class of 2011 dies in swimming accident

A note from the president to the Middlebury College community:

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the death of Pavlo Levkiv, a well-loved member of the class of 2011. We received word from his family that he died while swimming in the ocean off New Jersey on Friday.

Pav, as he was known, moved with his family from Kiev, Ukraine, to Rockaway, New Jersey, where he excelled in math and the sciences at Newark Academy.

He came to Middlebury in September 2007 and immediately immersed himself in the community with equal enthusiasm for both his studies and his friendships. He loved outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming, and was often seen riding his bike around campus.

His advisor called him a brilliant student, and a delight. Other professors agreed that he was an exceptional student of physics. He had planned to spend his junior year at Columbia in an intensive science program.

Pav loved Middlebury and had great hopes to contribute to its future in so many ways. He was working to found a wrestling club, and was involved with the College’s rugby team. He approached all challenges in life with courage, tenacity, and self-assurance. He will be greatly missed.

The family has announced that services for Pavlo will be held this Tuesday evening at Tuttle Funeral Home (272 Route 10, Randolph Twp, NJ 07869, tel. 973-366-7400). Calling hours will be held from 6:00-7:00pm, followed by a farewell tribute and remembrance from 8:00 to 9:00pm, at which the family hopes people will share their thoughts of Pavlo. This will be followed by a reception at the Levkov home for those who can join them (66 White Meadow Road, Rockaway, NJ, 07866).

The family has asked that flowers not be sent in his memory. Instead, a modest memorial fund will be established that will honor either Pavlo’s passionate love of nature or a cause for children with disabilities. More information on donating to this memorial will be made available by the family later.

I know you join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to Pav’s family during this difficult time.

Ronald D. Liebowitz
President, Middlebury College

NOTE: Read a story from the Daily Record in New Jersey