House Engrossed

Carly Verbeke; death resolution

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

HOUSE RESOLUTION 2008

A RESOLUTION

on the death of carly verbeke.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Carly Theresa Verbeke died unexpectedly on September 15, 2020 at the age of twenty-four.

Born on November 12, 1995, Carly grew up in Michigan. As a young girl, she was involved in an adaptive soccer league and did competitive dance, earning high-gold in her competitions. Carly continued athletic pursuits as an adult after moving to Arizona, taking part in an adaptive workout program through Arizona State University, going on hikes, rock climbing and playing sled hockey with the Arizona Coyotes sled hockey team.  A hallmark of her later life, Carly also felt called to give back to others in the disability community, becoming a mentor for an adaptive youth soccer team.

A fun-loving, affable and gregarious woman, Carly enjoyed traveling and attending music festivals. She also seized opportunities to impact others. She advocated for the creation of the Disability Studies undergraduate program at Arizona State University, participated in accessibility-focused university service days and was a published author.

Carly believed being in a wheelchair gave her a great perspective on life, and altruism was something she became known for.  Giving generously of her time and talents, Carly served as a nonpartisan research intern for the Arizona House of Representatives in 2019, significantly influencing accessibility improvements to better accommodate others with disabilities.  Known for her intelligence, kindness and resilience, Carly gained the well-deserved reputation as a capable and dedicated intern who helped the other interns flourish. She earned bachelor's degrees in Political Science and English from Arizona State University and earned master's degrees in English and Disability Studies.  Carly was also an intern at a law firm, conducting research and writing about disabilities and disability law, and planned to attend Stanford Law School to become a lawyer focused on disability law.

The effects of Carly's sudden and unexpected death have been incalculable to all who knew her. Carly is survived by her parents, Gary Verbeke, Jr. and Tammy Verbeke and her husband, Steve Wright, brothers, Tyler and Kyle, and grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and step-siblings.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives express sincere regret on the passing of Carly Theresa Verbeke and extend their heartfelt sympathies to her family and many friends.