The Carnegie Mellon Football family is reaching out to ask for your assistance in supporting Josh Solarek as he navigates the tragic passing of his parents, Brian & Michelle, and his sister Victoria. Here is an excerpt from their collective obituary:

"Dr. Brian Carl Solarek, Ph.D (54) and his wife Michelle (Whalon) Solarek (52), of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL along with their daughter Victoria Christine Solarek (20) of College Station, TX, were called home to heaven as a family on July 24, 2022 when their vehicle was struck from behind in a car crash, while they were traveling home from a family vacation. Brian (Exeter Township) and Michelle (Pennside) first met at the Antietam Tot Lot before becoming high school sweethearts and marrying on November 2, 1991. During their 30 fantastic years of marriage they had four children: Hope, Benjamin, Joshua, and Victoria."

In addition to this most devastating tragedy, Josh and his fiancée, Taylor, endured an emergency brain surgery earlier this year after she was diagnosed with grade 2 Ependymoma in her brain.

No one should ever have to face what Josh has experienced and the CMU Football community offers our deepest condolences for his loss. Josh has always been such a positive and uplifting spirit to those that know him, and it is time we return the favor to Josh. Please offer whatever support you can to Josh in this trying time.

Michelle Solarek's Obituary

Brian Solarek's Obituary

Victoria Solarek's Obituary