3/31/03

AUBURN FACULTY MEMBER DIES IN PICKUP TRUCK-TRAIN COLLISION

AUBURN -- A pickup truck-train collision on Sunday morning claimed the life of Dr. Allen Heath of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty.

Heath was traveling eastbound on Alabama 14 in Auburn and was attempting to turn south on Donahue Drive, according to police reports.

"We are all deeply saddened by this loss," said Dr. Timothy Boosinger, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "He was widely respected by his peers and loved by his friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and three children during this difficult time."

Heath, 41, an associate professor in the food animal section of the Department of Clinical Sciences, specialized in theriogenology, or reproductive medicine, in food animals. He primarily worked with beef cattle.

He came to Auburn in 1994 for his residency and earned a master's degree in 1997, also being appointed as an assistant professor. Also that year he became board-certified by American College of Theriogenologists. In October 2002 he was promoted to associate professor with tenure at Auburn.

Heath earned his bachelor's and doctor of veterinary medicine degrees from the University of Georgia in 1983 and 1987, respectively. He worked in private practice in Manchester, Ga., from 1987-1990, and in Gainesville, Ga., from 1990-1994.

At AU he taught senior students in clinical theriogenology, farm ambulatory service, hospital rotation, dairy service, and advanced reproductive techniques. He also taught reproductive medicine in the small animal section of the college.

Heath was a member of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Phi Zeta veterinary honor society, Society for Theriogenology, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

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The Allen M. Heath Memorial Fund has been established at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Contributions can be sent to Sam Hendrix, Development Officer, 105 Greene Hall, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849.

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mar03:AU-heath