HUD lost a cherished member of its extended family on Saturday when former chief of staff Robert Woodson, Jr., was killed in a tragic traffic accident. The accident followed a reunion with family members, including his father, Bob Woodson, Sr., of the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, and occurred when Rob's vehicle struck a patch of ice and spun out of control.

"The entire HUD family is deeply saddened by the passing of Robert Woodson, Jr.," said Secretary Mel Martinez. "Rob had a tremendous passion for life that continually inspired all of us who knew him. His work in the housing community revealed his passion for people. His outreach to the faith-based community showed his passion for lifting up the less fortunate. Rob touched many lives outside of his own, but saved his greatest passion for his family, and he adored them. During this very difficult time, my prayers - and the prayers of everyone at HUD - are with Rob's wife Michelle and their two beautiful children."

In addition to his service to HUD, Rob had worked as a leader in the faith-based community, a Capitol Hill aide to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and other Members of Congress, and a dedicated policy advisory in the Bush-Cheney campaign.

In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing an education fund for Rob and Michelle's children. The family has asked that donations to the "Rob Woodson Memorial Fund" be sent in care of the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, 1424 Sixteenth St., NW, Washington, DC 20036.

For further information, please contact Heather Humphries of the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise at (202) 518-6500.