AXP hosts candlelight vigil
Stephanie Takach
Issue date: 1/30/09 Section: News
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According to a statement released by the University, Ian Alexander, a senior majoring in psychology, and John Williamson Jr., a senior majoring in biological sciences, were killed. Alexander was the president of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity.
Four other students, Kevin MacDonald, a freshman engineering major, Adam Marsh, a pre-junior business and engineering major, Andrew Cardamone, a freshman architectural engineering major and Eric Rayburn, a freshman health sciences major, were sent to the hospital in very critical condition.
Cardamone, the driver, and MacDonald were released from the hospital Jan. 27, according to the Associated Press.
The four crash victim survivors are all expected to recover, Dave Ruth, dean of students, said.
All students were members or prospective members of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, police said the SUV struck a "rock cut" along the mountainside. The accident occurred on Route 15.
The accident is still under investigation, according to police.
Katie Peoples, director for Fraternity and Sorority Life said this is a tremendous loss for the fraternity and sorority community.
Alpha Chi Rho released a statement on behalf of the fraternity brothers and their families.
"This weekend the families in our community have suffered a great loss. Nothing can replace the void left by the loss of Brothers Ian Alexander and John Williamson," the statement said.
The statement asked that all [students] respect the brothers, their families and others in the Drexel University community as [Alpha Chi Rho] copes with this loss by offering them time and space to grieve.
The brothers said they are deeply saddened by this tragedy and will be offering their love and support to the families of those lost and those recovering.
Hundreds of Drexel students, Greek Life members, family and friends came out to show their support for Williamson and Alexander at a vigil held at North Hall Jan. 26 at 9 p.m. by the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity.
Matthew Magee, treasurer of the fraternity, spoke to the attendees about the "best men [he's] ever met in [his] life."
Students stood in silence and after a prayer, remained together.
Magee asked students to, as they go forward, think about the good times. He also thanked the Drexel community, friends and families of the victims for coming out. According to Drexel spokesman Noah Cohen, Dean of Students Dave Ruth met with the InterFraternity Council Jan. 25, and Annette Molyneux of Drexel's Counseling Center was also present, speaking with students and working with family and friends.
"We [were] greatly saddened by this news when we were notified yesterday. We were on the scene at the fraternity house with friends, family and with all students," Ruth said.
Services for John Williamson, Jr. were held Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Pius X Church on 220 Lawrence Road, Broomall, PA. The mass was at St. Pius followed by a burial at SS. Peter and Paul in Marple, PA.
Services for Ian Alexander will be held Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. at the St. James United Church of Christ, South Limerick Road, Limerick, PA. The family will receive friends Jan. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 11 to 1 p.m.
According to the Student Life web site, transportation will be provided by bus from in front of Myers and Kelly Halls on Race Street at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 31. The first bus will be for Alpha Chi Rho and their close friends, however, additional buses will be provided.
Ruth also said the Counseling Center is on alert for all persons. Professors and other academic advisers are currently being notified.
Students can reach the Counseling Center by calling 215-895-1660 or 215-895-1523.
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