Bennett Carroll Hiner
Bennett Carroll Hiner died in his sleep on the 9th of November at the age of 26. Bennett was a first year medical student at the University of Southern California with a keen interest in science and big hearted approach to life. His unexpected passing shocked and deeply saddened the many people he touched during his short life.
Bennett was born in Palo Alto, CA on November 25th 1984 to Dr. Bradley Hiner and Susan Carroll. Bennett was a wiz on the bass and after graduating from Marshfield Senior High School in 2003, he studied jazz and performed at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Music. While music remained an important part of his life, Bennett developed an interest in medicine at DePaul University in Chicago and went on to earn his BS in biology. Bennett’s success with this dramatic transition reflects his characteristic zest and perseverance. When he joined Dr. Jaime Grutzendler's laboratory at Northwestern University, it was as a basic technician. However, his enthusiasm for scientific inquiry and his impressive work ethic quickly elevated him to a leadership position on a project that he eventually propelled into Nature. His work in the field was a major breakthrough and is likely to have a continued impact on understanding and treating stroke and heart disease. After earning his MS at Tufts University in Boston, Bennett was accepted into the prestigious School of Medicine at USC. While working hard at medical school, he continued to develop ongoing projects in the lab from afar which will be the basis of several additional publications. The Medical School at USC has recognized his passion and talent for research by establishing a foundation in his name that will go toward funding a medical student in one full year of research.
Those who knew Bennett remember his sharp wit, tempered by his infectious smile, and how generously he offered his time and help. His great capacity for understanding others made him a natural confidant and an easy friend. Bennett possessed exceptional energy and creativity and spirit, and his loss is a great tragedy. He is survived by his parents, Dr. Bradley Hiner and Susan Carroll, his two sisters Hillary and Cecily Hiner, and his grandmother Gladys Carroll.
