Panduit’s CTO Lane and his wife killed in a car crash, were hailed as community pillars

Brett Lane, Panduit’s CTO, and his wife Melissa Ann Lane, 49, died Friday, April 25, who both resided in Hinsdale, Illinois, in a seven-vehicle crash in La Grange, Illinois.

A telecom industry veteran, Lane’s career spanned over 30 years.

Before becoming CTO in 2018, Lane held various technical and commercial leadership positions within the Panduit R&D organization. Earlier in his career, Lane led fiber optics and quantum research at Molex and Northwestern University.

“Brett’s passion for innovation was truly contagious, touching everyone who had the privilege of working with him,” said Shannon McDaniel, Panduit’s president and CEO, in a statement. “He was a tireless champion for curiosity, invention, and excellence.”

He met his wife Melissa while attending graduate school at Northwestern University, studying engineering.

"Brett and Melissa Lane were pillars of their community," read the couple’s joint obituary. "Strong, fearless role models that touched the hearts of many. Brett had an infectious spirit, a love of innovation, and an unwavering work ethic. Melissa was a positive beacon of life and hope, always lifting those around her."

The joint obituary said that Brett enjoyed racing cars, golfing, photography, and cheering his alma mater, the University of Texas. Melissa enjoyed golfing, reading, participating in her prayer group, and relaxing on the beach in Florida.

The couple raised five children: Simon, Colin, Quinten, Emily, and James Lane.

“Brett and Melissa’s greatest accomplishment was raising their five children and building a family of profound love that was tangible to all,” the Lanes’ family said in the obituary.

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