WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2015 – Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet is saddened to confirm the death of Peace Corps volunteer Robert “Robbie” Lehman. Robbie, 23, passed away in a traffic accident near the city of Mbeya in southwestern Tanzania.
A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Robbie served as a community heath volunteer in Tanzania. He prepared for his service by working with those living with HIV/AIDS in his community and learning Swahili on his own.
Robbie was a lover of nature and the outdoors. He spent summers at his family cabin in northern Wisconsin fishing, hiking, waterskiing and on his uncle’s farm. Robbie also worked for the American Conservation Corp in the Rocky Mountain National Park and made several memorable trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. He was passionate about running, photography, music, dancing and drawing. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a merit scholarship at St. Olaf College.
He is survived by his parents, Gregory T. Lehman and Dawn L. Martin, sisters Sarah Lehman and Laura Lehman, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.
A memorial fund has been established in Robert’s honor. All donations to the Robert S. Lehman Fund will support approved Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP) projects in Tanzania.