Brandeis University holds vigil after bus crash that killed student Vanessa Mark, injured 27 others
WALTHAM - A vigil was held on the Brandeis University campus Monday night after a fatal shuttle bus crash over the weekend. Vanessa Mark, a 25-year-old undergrad, was killed in the crash.
At least one other passenger is facing life-threatening injuries.
While classes have been canceled for the entire week, dozens of students attended the vigil at Harlan Chapel, leaning into each other, while trying to make sense of the tragedy.
"I wanted to be here, see how the campus was reacting," student Miles Goldstein said.
An overflow crowd of Brandeis students converged on the chapel for the roughly 30-minute vigil.
"Really solemn environment, a lot of silence and respect for those involved," a student said.
"One of the spiritual leaders here was speaking to us, read a very nice poem and it was more of a kind of like a moment of silence, people had a chance to speak, everyone just showed their respect," another student said.
Students WBZ-TV spoke with were clearly still processing the trauma that has permeated the entire campus.
"You kind of look at your friends differently because it was sort of a random sample of the population that happened to be on the bus and anyone could have been there so everyone seems more precious, I guess," student Haleigh Rose said.
They also remembered Vanessa Mark, the Waltham native who died in the crash.
"Nice girl, bright girl. People loved to be with her was funny and entertaining and just sort of a person you could rely on," Goldstein said.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Waltham Police are urging anyone who saw the crash or has information to call them immediately at (781) 314-3600.