Bayli Manuel, a sophomore industrial and systems engineering major, passed away on May 30, from injuries sustained in a car accident involving a DUI driver.
Manuel, 20, was rear-ended at a stoplight while riding a Vespa moped in Knoxville by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs who fled the scene before eventually being apprehended.
Manuel took IE 201 Introduction to Industrial and Systems Engineering this past spring, her first semester in the department.
“She valued community and was attracted to ISE by its connection between people and engineering,” said John D. Tickle Professor and Department Head Mingzhou Jin. “During the semester, she began connecting by making new friends with her ISE classmates, getting to know her faculty and academic advisors, and participating in student organizations. During the IE 201 course, she developed as an industrial engineer and grew as a great person, as observed by Professor John Kobza.”
Manuel, who was minoring in Japanese, enjoyed creating artwork and learning about Japanese culture. She was extremely skilled at video games, and loved animals, especially her cats, Tora and Thiago.
At the time of her death, Manuel was the co-president of GAYmerz and served on the entertainment committee for the Campus Events Board. She was working at UT Printing and Mail and at DoorDash. Manuel was looking forward to continuing her artwork commissions and one day creating industrial plans.
A GoFundMe campaign was established by Manuel’s roommate. All funds will be used towards her funeral, medical bills, and any other expenses endured by her family.
Contact
Rhiannon Potkey (865-974-0683, rpotkey@utk.edu)