Math professor, puzzle expert to be taken off life support

PORTLAND, Ore. — Family members are taking a math professor and nationally recognized puzzle expert off of life support.

The Oregonian reports a car hit Washington State University Vancouver math professor Thomas Gazzola as he was jogging last week. His 19-year-old daughter Liz says he’s been in critical condition since, and will be taken off life support Wednesday.

Portland Police arrested 63-year-old Richard Earl Dryden in connection with the accident. He failed a field sobriety test and has been charged with driving under the influence and assault pending the outcome of blood alcohol tests.

His next court appearance is June 18.

Gazzola and his 39 teammates in January won the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s annual Mystery Hunt for a coin hidden on campus. There were 1,600 contestants in the competition.

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