Emily McNamara Obituary, Death – Beloved Ice Hockey Coach Remembered Following Life-Changing Car Accident
Emily McNamara, affectionately known by many as “Mac,” is being remembered for her nearly two decades of dedication to women’s ice hockey, her commitment to the athletes she coached and the lasting relationships she built throughout her life.
McNamara has served as a women’s ice hockey coach at both Middlebury College and Hamilton College. Those who know her describe her as passionate, competitive and deeply committed to her players, both on the ice and away from the rink.
She is also remembered as a loyal friend and teammate and as a beloved daughter, sister and aunt. She is married to Dave Campbell, the Middlebury men’s lacrosse coach.
Emily McNamara’s Accident and Injuries
On March 20, 2026, McNamara was driving from her home in Vermont to the athletic facilities at Middlebury when her vehicle lost traction during a sudden ice storm.
Her car collided with a tractor-trailer traveling in the opposite direction. The crash left McNamara with life-threatening injuries, including multiple fractures involving her face, neck, clavicle, ribs and pelvis, as well as a traumatic brain injury.
Following the crash, she received emergency treatment at Porter Hospital before being transferred to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where she spent six weeks in the neurological intensive care unit.
During that time, McNamara underwent multiple surgeries and required around-the-clock critical care. She was medically sedated and placed on a ventilator while doctors worked to stabilize her condition and manage her pain. Once she was able to breathe independently, she was moved from the intensive care unit to the hospital’s general care unit.
On April 29, she was transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Center to begin another stage of her recovery.
Long Road to Recovery
At Spaulding, McNamara took part in daily physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology sessions. Her determination reportedly remained evident throughout the rehabilitation process, with those around her describing her as someone who worked as hard as she could during each session.
Her family has remained closely involved throughout her recovery, staying by her side through emergency treatment, intensive care and rehabilitation.
On July 6, McNamara was transferred from Spaulding to her family’s home in New Hampshire, where she continues her recovery with ongoing support from relatives and medical professionals.
Her care at home requires daily supplies, specialized equipment, transportation and outpatient treatment. She also requires in-home nursing and therapy services.
Because recovery from a traumatic brain injury can be lengthy and unpredictable, her family faces significant ongoing expenses, including costs associated with care, rehabilitation and equipment that may not be covered by insurance.
Community Rallies Around Mac
A fundraising campaign has been organized in partnership with McNamara’s family to help ease the financial burden of her recovery and allow her loved ones to concentrate on her continued care.
The campaign is seeking support from the many communities connected to McNamara throughout her coaching career. Her supporters include family members, friends, former and current players, opponents, and members of both the Middlebury and Hamilton communities.
The message surrounding the fundraiser is one of solidarity as McNamara continues along what could be a long road to recovery. Contributions of any size are intended to help cover the costs of her ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Funds raised through the effort will go directly toward McNamara’s recovery. Supporters who have already contributed to a previous fundraiser created by Sam Walther, a Hamilton College graduate, have also been thanked, with those funds continuing to assist with medical bills and other expenses resulting from her care.
Emily McNamara is remembered not only for her career in women’s ice hockey but also for the qualities that made her important to the people around her. Tough, determined, genuine, thoughtful, funny and kind are among the qualities associated with Mac as she continues to face the challenges of recovery.
Her family and supporters remain focused on helping her receive the best possible care as she continues her recovery from the devastating accident.