Well, it looks I have found a solution to my problem above. I did this procedure below and no longer have IE11 crash when invoking hyperlinks in Word. I suppose I am a little less safe, but will see how it goes.

“From the MS Website:
Enable or disable security alerts about links to suspicious websites
In Office, detection of suspicious links to websites is turned on by default. You can turn detection off so that you don't get security alerts. But we do not recommend this.

1. In an Office program, click the File tab.
2. Click Options.
3. Click Trust Center, and then click Trust Center Settings.
4. Click Privacy Options.
5. Under Privacy Options, select or clear Check Microsoft Office documents that are from or link to suspicious Web sites check box.
6. Click OK.”