Westmont Mourns Death of Dr. Alex Moore

Dr. Alex Moore, an assistant professor of kinesiology at Westmont College, died Wednesday following complications from surgery. He was 31.

Moore is survived by his wife Kirsten. The couple met at Westmont in 2005 when Moore was an adjunct instructor and Kirsten became the school’s head women’s basketball coach. They married in 2008, and their first child is due this July.

“The Westmont community has been devastated by the news, and we lift our thoughts and prayers for Alex, Kirsten, and their families,” said college President Gayle Beebe in a statement. “Alex was a bright light — he had a winsome humility. He played a unique and distinct role in our kinesiology department and was one reason why the major is so highly regarded.”

Moore went to Wheaton College, then taught for the both Westmont’s kinesiology and biology departments from 2004-2006. He accepted a fellowship to study at the University of Missouri, eventually earning his doctorate in biomedical sciences. Moore returned to Westmont in fall 2010 as a sabbatical replacement in the biology department and began a tenured position in fall 2011. His research specialized in microcirculation, focusing on hair-sized arteries and the regulation of blood flow to tissue.

Memorial dates and details will be announced soon.