Hellen (Hellebore) Fass (1987 – 2024)

On Tuesday 30 July 2024, we received the sad news that our colleague Hellen (Hellebore) Fass passed away unexpectedly at the age of 37.

In January 2024, Hellebore started as a researcher in medical technology at the University of Twente. She was ambitious and stood out because of her good ideas and the progress she achieved in her research in the short period of time she worked for us. Shortly after her appointment, Hellebore almost immediately became a member of the UT organization: ‘Think with Pride’ with the aim of making a difference. She previously lived in Ireland and Germany and there too she was committed to the LGBTQ+ network. Hellebore aimed to improve inclusivity and understanding between people and to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. She hoped to show other trans, non-binary and queer people that they are not alone.

Her colleagues and the students who knew her will miss her warm, accessible and social personality. But above all, they will miss a great colleague.

We wish her parents, sister and brother and other family and friends much strength in coping with this loss.

A condolence register is available at the department of Biomechanical Engineering in the hall on the ground floor of the Horst building (near room HR-W121100). This register can be signed by anyone who wants to do so and will then be handed over to the family.

On behalf of all employees and students of the Engineering Technology faculty,

Bart Koopman                Herman van der Kooij 
Dean of the ET Faculty   Chairman of the BE Department