Schmiedl, Dr. Todd

Dr. Todd Schmiedl died on March 30, 2006 at the age of 44 in a Valley hospital. Born on March 21, 1962, Todd was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic trap shooting team.

That year, the United States boycotted the Olympic games and during the summer, Todd was seriously injured in a catastrophic auto accident. The accident rendered him blind and severely paralyzed. Despite his multiple disabilities, Todd pursued an academic course and made history as the first blind quadriplegic to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology from Argosy University. Prior to graduating with his doctorate, Todd graduated with honors in pre-med and psychology from the University of Illinois. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Administration from the University. After his graduation, Dr. Schmiedl became a peer mentor in the Illinois Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association.

He was an Adjunct Professor at Argosy University and was appointed by Governor Jane Hull to the Arizona Advisory Council on Spinal and Head Injuries. Dr. Schmiedl was a national presenter and speaker and member of the American Psychological Association and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Papers he has written on neuropsychology and assistive technology have been published in numerous journals. His wife, Patricia, survives Todd. They met when he came to her place of business for a job interview. They chatted while he was waiting and he asked for her phone number before he left. Todd always joked that he didn’t get the job, but he did get a wife. Todd and Patricia complimented each other and made a wonderful team. They were very much in love and had 13 magical years together. A memorial service will be held on April 7, 2006 at 11:00AM. The service will be at Best Funeral Services, 9380 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria, Arizona. A collection will be taken to assist Patricia with expenses.