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In Memoriam | Fall 2026

In Memoriam: 2010s

Notices sorted by graduation date

George Dewey “Guy” Lyle III (Com ’11 CM) died April 18, 2026. He embraced UVA to the fullest during his time as a student, joining the University Guide Service, the Hullabahoos a cappella group, Chi Phi fraternity and Naval ROTC. He lived on the Lawn his fourth year. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Navy, serving as a naval aviator and mission commander with Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (the Fighting Checkmates) from 2011 to 2018. He was awarded the Strike/Flight Air Medal in 2015 for his valor in combat. He then served at the Office of Naval Intelligence as an air warfare analyst and served as a White House military social aide. He retired from the Navy as a lieutenant. He had earned graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the Wharton School of Business. Survivors include his parents, George Lyle (Med ’85 CM) and Donna Davenport Lyle (Col ’81 CM); his sister, Elizabeth Lyle (Com ’07 CM); two nieces; and his girlfriend, Daniela.

Richard Leiter Johnston III (Col ’13 CM) of Alexandria, Virginia, died April 19, 2026. As a member of Phi Delta Theta, he founded a charity basketball tournament, Hoop Dreams, to support Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Club. The event still runs today. He began his distinguished military career after graduation. He served as a platoon leader in the 25th Infantry, where he led soldiers in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan in 2016. He later passed the grueling Special Forces Qualification Course, becoming a Green Beret. As a Special Forces Detachment Commander, he was deployed to the Philippines, where he worked with local security forces to combat terrorist groups. He completed many of the most rigorous schools in the U.S. military. He received numerous awards recognizing his outstanding leadership and contributions to security. Loved ones remember his sense of humor, impressive karaoke skills and easy smile. Survivors include his parents and two sisters.

Jason Matthew Diamond (Nurs ’14) of Rocklin, California, died April 4, 2026. Before studying at UVA, he moved from California to Charlottesville, where he worked as a nursing aide and medical assistant. He volunteered with the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad and became an EMT with the University of Virginia Medical Center. He then was accepted into UVA’s nursing program and earned his bachelor’s in nursing. He began his nursing career at UVA Medical Center’s cardiac ICU before moving back to his hometown of Rocklin to be closer to his daughter. He flourished within the Sutter Health system in California and loved caring for his patients. He was a gifted natural athlete and loved watching sports, especially the Detroit Lions. He lived with his three beloved dogs. Along with his daughter, survivors include his parents and many loving extended family members.

Martha Grace Hale (Col ’14) of Louisa, Virginia, died Feb. 3, 2026. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa in history from UVA and pursued her passion for medieval studies at the University of Toronto. She then earned her master’s in library science at the University of Maryland. She joined the staff of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library at UVA in 2023. Her interest in history was surpassed only by her commitment to helping others in her field. She was known for her kindness and passion for animal caretaking. Survivors include her husband, Stephen; her parents; two sisters; her brothers-in-law; and two nephews; as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.