Supporting Liz Hamel's Legacy of Love and Kindness

In loving memory of Elizabeth (Liz) Hamel, who tragically, on Valentine's Day, fell from a height of 15 to 25 feet from a breezeway at a UCSB residence hall, subsequently sustaining serious head and bodily injuries. After being found unconscious and eventually transported to Cottage Health Hospital, doctors had issued a grave prognosis. Liz underwent surgery to treat the brain injuries but ultimately succumbed to the injuries, passing away a week later.

Liz was the only child of Alain and Hema Hamel. To say that she is survived by her parents, Alain and Hema, isn’t enough. She is survived by everyone she has ever met. Liz was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Liz leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and warmth that touched everyone she encountered. Liz's passion for travel and meeting new people was evident in everything she did. Her infectious smile could light up any room, and her genuine spirit welcomed others into her world with open arms.

Liz was born and raised in Bellevue, Washington. She was a brilliant student at Bellevue High School, where she also played varsity tennis. Throughout her academic journey, Liz received numerous awards and accolades, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to academics.

Alain and Hema held a memorial service for Liz on March 2 at McDermott-Crockett & Associates Mortuary in Santa Barbara. Approximately 115 people attended the service, far exceeding the funeral home's maximum occupancy.

The following quotes are from the UCSB Daily Nexus article by Lizzy Rager on 3/28/25:

https://dailynexus.com/2025-03-28/ucsb-freshman-dies-from-injuries-following-balcony-fall-family-confirms/

“Liz was talented, beautiful, glamorous, intelligent, and funny — all of those things. But my favorite thing about her was her kindness. She cared so deeply about her friends, she’d sit with her mom and me in the kitchen, debating how best to support them through tough times. She just couldn’t help but care,” Alain said in a eulogy for his daughter.

He continued, “The kindness, humor, and empathy of Liz made her into a shining light for others. She lit up every room and made other people’s lives better. She was my daughter, my friend, my TV buddy, and my constant source of pride. I miss her with every breath, but I am endlessly grateful for every moment we shared."

Liz was undeclared at UCSB but interested in pursuing biology. UCSB was Liz's dream school. She was the "happiest she'd been in her life" while at UCSB, Alain said.

Liz’s sorority, Pi Beta Phi, shared their condolences for Liz on Instagram on February 28 and Facebook on March 1. “With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved California Zeta sister Liz Hamel. Sending Pi Phi Love and support to her family, loved ones, and our sisters at Pi Beta Phi UCSB during this time,” it said. “She will be remembered for the kindness and joy she brought to others. Our hearts are with her family and loved ones,” the California Zeta chapter said in the post.

https://www.facebook.com/PiBetaPhi/photos/with-heavy-hearts-we-share-the-passing-of-our-beloved-california-zeta-sister-liz/1030826355741121/?_rdr

This GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with Liz's medical and funeral expenses, and well as the many travel and hotel expenses incurred during that time. Additionally, Alain and Hema plan to create a scholarship in Liz's name as well as make a donation in Liz's name to the Humane Society, an organization that Liz was passionate about. Liz loved all animals, especially her beloved dog, Melanie.

Your support and contributions are greatly appreciated as we honor Liz's memory and continue her legacy of spreading love and kindness to all.

Thank you for keeping Liz's spirit alive and for being a part of her journey. Let us come together to celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the impact she had on everyone she met. Liz's light will forever shine bright in our hearts.