Remembering Dr. Leon Haley
UF Health Jacksonville CEO, UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville dean Dr. Leon L. Haley passed away July 24
Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D.
July 25, 2021
Dear UF College of Medicine community,
I am saddened to share with you tragic news about the passing of one of our own. Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., CEO of UF Health Jacksonville, dean of the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville and vice president for health affairs for UF, died unexpectedly Saturday in South Florida.
Dr. Haley was a beloved member of the UF Health family whose warm smile and kind demeanor brightened the day of all who knew him. He was a fierce advocate for his patients, his team and his community. He cared deeply about serving the underserved, moving medicine forward and impacting the lives of each person he encountered.
Dr. Haley was instrumental in my decision to join UF. In the short time I knew him, I saw firsthand how inspirational of a leader he was, and I feel lucky to have been able to call him my colleague.
As we grapple to process this loss, let us remember Dr. Haley’s uplifting spirit and strive to continue his incredible work and legacy. Please keep his loved ones and his Jacksonville team in your thoughts and stay tuned for more information about how we plan to honor Dr. Haley as a UF community. Please see the note below from Dr. David Nelson, senior vice president for health affairs at UF and president of UF Health.
Colleen Koch, M.D., M.S., M.B.A.
Folke H. Peterson Dean’s Distinguished Professor
Dean, University of Florida College of Medicine
It is with incredible sadness and a heavy heart that I bring you devastating news that Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., CEO of UF Health Jacksonville and dean of the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville, has passed away following a tragic accident today in South Florida. Dr. Haley was an incredible leader and a beloved son, father, friend and colleague. I ask that you keep his family in your prayers tonight and in the coming days.
As we work through the shock and sadness of this news, it’s important we show one another compassion and patience, as each of us grieves in our own way and in our own time. Programs are available throughout our system if you need to speak with someone. We will share more with you as information becomes available.
Sincerely,
David R. Nelson, M.D.
Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, UF &
President, UF Health
