Hundreds gather to remember lives at candle-light vigil
Hope, love and support.
That’s what was felt Tuesday night at a candle light vigil held at Utah State University to pay tribute to the eight students and one instructor who were killed in a 15-passenger van accident Monday.
More than 1,000 students, family members, faculty and friends with white ribbons pinned to their shirts and lit white candles in their hands, stood in silence remembering those involved in the accident.
“Let us remember those who have passed on and the flame that they provided,” said Cody Bingham, ASUSU Agriculture senator. “May our small token of hope, love and support provide a warmth to those individuals and families involved.”
A feeling of sadness but peace was left in the air on the Taggart Student Center patio throughout the entire vigil service.
“This has been an incredibly sad 26 hours,” said Noelle Cockett, interim provost and dean of the College of Agriculture. “But as I look out and see you here, I am comforted by your presence.”
President Stan Albrecht also expressed his appreciation from the support of the students and faculty.
“I’ve never felt more proud to be associated with this university and it’s because of you,” Albrecht said.
As part of the vigil, various other speakers shared their thoughts and feelings, including ASUSU President Quinn Millet who encouraged everyone to avoid focusing on the death of the students but rather commemorate the values in their lives that they lived for.
“There seems to be a sense of honesty and transparency with these students,” he said. “They were tied closely to the community.”
There were also four vocal musical numbers including Amazing Grace, Lead Kindly Light and Homeward Bound.
The support’s unbelievable,” said Amy Brady, a USU student who was at the vigil and knew Ryan McEntire, who died in the accident. “I think this is great that there’s a lot of people here.”
Brad Ethington, another student at the vigil came to pay tribute to Bradley Wilcox who died as well.
“It seemed like it was unreal,” Ethington said when he heard about the accident. “It’s just really sad.”
Those interested in helping the families and friends of the victims can contact the USU Development Office at (435) 797-1158 to donate.
-mmackay@cc.usu.edu
More than 1,000 students gathered on the TSC patio Tuesday for a candle-light vigil.
Students and faculty joined together Tuesday night on the TSC patio for a candle-light vigil. The vigil paid tribute to the nine lives lost after a university van rolled near Tremonton Monday, killing eight students and one instructor.