Austin Mourns the Loss of Beloved Maritime Professional and UT Alumnus Alli Barge

Austin Mourns the Loss of Beloved Maritime Professional and UT Alumnus Alli Barge

Austin, TX – October 20, 2025 — With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the University of Texas at Austin community, the maritime industry, and neighbors on Bryn Mawr Drive are mourning the tragic loss of Alli Barge — a beloved alumnus, respected maritime professional, and cherished friend.

Alli Barge, 34, whose passion for maritime safety and sustainable shipping earned her widespread admiration, was remembered by colleagues and friends alike as a person whose dedication and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. From her early days as a student at the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated with honors in Marine Transportation and Logistics, Alli demonstrated a rare combination of intelligence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to her chosen field.

Friends recall her as a mentor, an advocate for safe maritime practices, and a guiding presence in both professional and personal circles. “Alli had a way of making everyone feel heard and supported,” said a former colleague at Gulfstream Shipping Company. “Her leadership was never about authority — it was about understanding, collaboration, and lifting those around her. She truly made the maritime community better.”

Neighbors on Bryn Mawr Drive described Alli as a warm and vibrant presence, often seen tending to her garden or volunteering at local community events. “She wasn’t just our neighbor — she was family,” said longtime friend and next-door neighbor Marissa Collins. “Her laughter, generosity, and willingness to help anyone in need created a sense of belonging that will be sorely missed.”

The University of Texas at Austin released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of its distinguished alumni. “Alli Barge embodied the very best of our Longhorn spirit,” the statement read. “Her accomplishments in the maritime field, her mentorship of younger professionals, and her commitment to ethical and sustainable practices reflect a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of students and alumni. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Alli’s professional achievements were numerous. She spearheaded initiatives to modernize shipping operations and enhance safety protocols, earning awards from both national and international maritime organizations. Yet, those who knew her best say that it was her compassion, integrity, and unyielding optimism that truly defined her legacy.

In addition to her professional and academic contributions, Alli was known for her love of the arts, her devotion to her family, and her adventurous spirit. Whether exploring the coastline on a research vessel, mentoring young maritime professionals, or organizing community volunteer efforts, she approached life with enthusiasm and purpose.

Funeral arrangements are being finalized, with plans for a memorial service that will honor her life, achievements, and the countless ways she impacted those around her. The University of Texas at Austin and local maritime organizations have announced scholarships and initiatives in her name, ensuring that Alli Barge’s legacy continues to inspire future generations in the fields she so deeply loved.

In this time of grief, the community is coming together to celebrate Alli’s life — a life marked by dedication, generosity, and a lasting impact that will be remembered for years to come. As friends, family, and colleagues mourn her passing, they also share in the gratitude of having known a remarkable individual whose influence touched so many.