Funeral Services Held For Samantha Josephson, College Student From New Jersey Killed In South Carolina
PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Loved ones are remembering Samantha Josephson, the college student murdered over the weekend after police say she got in to the wrong car.
Funeral services were getting underway Wednesday at Congregation Beth Chaim in Princeton Junction. Josephson was from Robbinsville and attended college in South Carolina, CBS2's Chris Wragge reported.
A cousin spoke for the family.
"The sadness that is being suffered will never end. It may wane in the future, but it will always leave a hole in the hearts," Seth Josephson said.
Web Extra: Samantha Josephson Family Statement Before Funeral
Samantha Josephson's family is now calling for a change in how ride-hailing services operate. Her father was in tears at an emotional memorial on Tuesday night. The glow of candlelight lent a somber warmth to the chilly evening, where an emotional Seymour Josephson spoke to the crowd.
"I'm telling you this is nothing that you would ever want to do. You don't want to go through this," Seymour Josephson said.
Police said his 21-year-old daughter, a University of South Carolina student, was trying to take an Uber ride home from a night out with friends last Friday when she mistakenly got in the car of 24-year-old Nathaniel Rowland. Her body, covered with stab wounds, was found deep in the woods more than 65 miles away. Rowland was arrested during a traffic stop the next day with blood and the young woman's cellphone in his car. He has been charged with kidnapping and murder.
MORE: Uber Shares Key Safety Tips After Murdered New Jersey Student Reportedly Got In Wrong Car
Her father is now urging lawmakers across several states to enact legislation to make for-hire vehicles more identifiable.
"Why not have something on the car, on the app, you can put it up to it, read a bar, and if it's green that's my car. If it's red, nope, that's not my car. I'm backing away," Seymour Josephson said.
Samantha's boyfriend was devastated by her death.
"She was the love of my life," Greg Corbishley said.
He echoed the same pleas for safety.
"Please, please, if there is anything you can do extra to make sure that the driver of your Uber is there for you, please take that extra step," Corbishley said.
Samantha's mother was embraced by neighbors and friends who said her daughter, known by many as "Sammy," was a vibrant young woman.
"She loved life and took advantage of every moment that God gave her," one person said.
"Sammy will be known for her selflessness, her wit, her infectious laugh, her bright, beautiful smile," another said.
Her father shared his own thoughts.
"She's as kooky and laughable and light-hearted and one of the best kids that you'll ever meet in your entire life," Seymour Josephson said.
Samantha Josephson planned to attend Drexel University Law School after graduation this year. She leaves behind parents and a sister deeply distraught over a seemingly senseless and deadly attack.
She was to be laid to rest at Perrineville Cemetery.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Josephson family. As of early Wednesday afternoon, it has raised more than $73,000.
