UT Austin Community and Maritime Industry Mourn the Tragic Loss of 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. Barge tragically passed away earlier this week following a fatal accident involving a barge, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and community spirit.
Alli Barge, a proud graduate of UT Austin, was known for his unshakable work ethic, sharp intellect, and deep love for the sea. As a maritime professional, he built a reputation for excellence, combining technical expertise with a calm, steady presence that made him a trusted figure both onboard and onshore. His colleagues describe him as someone who approached every challenge with thoughtfulness, courage, and a sense of responsibility not just to the job, but to everyone around him.
“Alli was a leader, but he never needed to raise his voice to be heard,” said one of his longtime crewmates. “He had this quiet strength about him — the kind of person you always wanted beside you when the seas got rough.”
A native of Texas, Barge carried his Longhorn pride wherever he went. Friends often recall how he would wear burnt orange on game days no matter where he was in the world, and he frequently stayed connected with the UT alumni network, offering mentorship to students and recent graduates interested in careers in marine engineering, logistics, and operations.
“Alli represented the very best of what it means to be a Longhorn — hardworking, humble, and always striving to make the world a better place,” said a former UT Austin professor. “His love for the university never dimmed, and he was always giving back in whatever way he could.”
But beyond his professional achievements and school spirit, Alli Barge was a neighbor, a friend, and a compassionate soul. Residents of Bryn Mawr Drive in Austin remember him as someone who always had time for a conversation, who lent a hand when a storm came through, who waved to kids riding their bikes down the street. He embodied the quiet, everyday heroism that holds communities together.
“He was one of the good ones,” said a neighbor. “The kind of person who didn’t just live next door — he was part of our lives. Holidays, block parties, or just chatting over the fence — Alli made this neighborhood feel like home.”
News of his sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the maritime and UT communities alike. Tributes have poured in from across the country, with former classmates, coworkers, and friends sharing memories and stories that paint a picture of a man whose kindness, resilience, and sense of duty left a deep and lasting impact.
A remembrance page hosted at has been set up for friends and loved ones to share their condolences, photos, and memories of Alli. The page reflects a life lived with purpose and grace, full of meaningful connections and unwavering dedication to both career and community.
As his family mourns this unimaginable loss, they have asked the public to keep Alli in their thoughts and prayers — and to honor his life by embracing the values he held dear: service, humility, and care for others.
Details regarding funeral services and a memorial gathering will be announced in the coming days. The family requests privacy during this difficult time but welcomes messages of support through the remembrance site.
Alli Barge’s legacy is not only in the ships he helped guide or the projects he saw through to completion — it is in the lives he touched, the pride he carried for his alma mater, and the love he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. His presence will be sorely missed, but his spirit will continue to sail forward in the hearts of many.
May he rest in peace. ⚓🧡
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