The HalieAnn Rex Scholarship Fund
has been created in memory of an
extraordinary young woman whose
passion for the outdoors and
leadership left a lasting impact. This
scholarship will support Outdoor
Adventure students who embody her
love for nature and commitment to
service. As the Graduate Assistant for
Outdoor Adventure at ETSU Campus
Recreation, HalieAnn worked to build a
strong outdoor community, even
starting a trail crew to enhance
campus trails. This scholarship will
continue her vision, empowering
students to lead and explore.
Thank you for your generosity and for helping us honor her legacy
How I Knew Halie Ann
As many of you know, I (Layne) work with ETSU Outdoor Adventure. I also mentioned on my social media that I lost a friend last fall. That friend was Halie Ann Rex. She was hit by a drunk driver as she was biking home from a dinner with friends at Yee Haw and White Duck Taco.
Losing a friend is tough. Losing a friend on her bike because of a car is even tougher. The toughest thing, however, is being one of those friends at Yee Haw and seeing her ride off, not knowing it would be the last time I saw her awake. A group of us from Outdoor Adventure worked the challenge course that Saturday. It was about 8:00 pm when the shift was over. All of us were hungry and decided to grab some dinner together. White Duck was decided upon. This is where it gets really personal.
I rode my bike to the challenge course just like Halie Ann. But something in me said I shouldn’t ride it downtown. Maybe it was because I was tired, maybe because it was getting cold. I can’t really remember the reason. All I know is that I went back to my dorm, dropped off some stuff including the bike, and got in my car. After a fun time hanging out on the Yee Haw patio, we all said good night. One of the last things I ever told Halie Ann is to “Get home safe!” And then I got in my car and went home. I didn’t get the news until 24 hours later.
I visited Halie Ann in the hospital as soon as I could. It was there that I met Jacob Rex, Halie’s brother. We talked for a bit before I had to leave. No one knew whether or not she would wake up. On October 17, 2024, Halie Ann Rex passed away. That is my birthday. Turning 22 was one of the worst days of my life.
The Rex family, alongside ETSU Campus Recreation, has started a fundraising campaign to honor Halie Ann’s legacy. This scholarship will go to an Outdoor Adventure student who embodies the values of Halie Ann. Protecting nature, creating and maintaining trails, leaving no trace, and being an overall kind and loving soul.
I encourage anyone who can to make a donation. This is a way to support future outdoor stewards and remember the one we lost too soon. In addition to individual donations, a raffle is also taking place on April 13, 2025. If you are or know of any businesses wanting to donate items for this event, please take a look at the flyer below. Print it out and share with others! Make sure to reach out to Jacob Rex as well at jrex114@gmail.com.
