Evangel University adjunct theology professor dies after SUV strikes her bicycle

A 34-year-old Springfield woman died Monday after she was struck by an SUV while riding a bicycle east of the city, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Renee Griffith Grantham, an adjunct theology professor at Evangel University, was reportedly riding her bicycle on Highway YY around 2:35 p.m. Monday when MSHP said she failed to yield to a GMC Yukon and was struck.

Grantham, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at Cox South shortly after the crash.

Evangel University released a statement Tuesday following the death of Grantham, who worked in the school's Theology and Global Church Ministries Department.

"It is with a heavy heart we share with you that EU Adjunct Theology Professor Renee Griffith Grantham passed away yesterday afternoon following a tragic cycling accident. It is now more than ever when the EU community is so important, and we encourage you to connect with one another as you process this news. Please join us in praying for Renee’s husband, Mark, and her family and friends today and in the days and weeks ahead."

A former cross country and track athlete at Evangel, Grantham had served overseas with Assemblies of God World Missions and had worked in disability ministry throughout the Ozarks. She was also a contributing writer for Assemblies of God News.

The Butte, Montana, native won a highly publicized Montana Supreme Court case in 2013, stemming from her valedictorian graduation speech at Butte High School in 2008. Grantham, then known as Renee Griffith, was reportedly banned from giving the speech unless she removed references to "God" and "Christ," which she refused.

The Supreme Court later ruled that the Butte School District violated her rights to free speech and to freedom of religion under the U.S. and Montana constitutions. She was awarded $70,000 by the school district.

"It means that not only my rights, but the rights of students after me will be protected and it tells me that the constitution is being upheld and our rights will be protected," Grantham told Montana TV's KULR8.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Evangel University adjunct professor dies after bicycle struck by SUV