Counselors are available at Manchester University Monday after three students were killed by a drunk driver around 6 a.m. Sunday on northbound I-69 in Grant County.
It happened just north of the Grant-Delaware County line.
An outpouring of love started early Sunday at the Intercultural Center on the Manchester University campus after students learned the news.
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All three of the student killed were international students from Nigeria and Ethiopia.
Police say a van carrying a group of students broke down in Grant County just north of the Grant-Delaware county line. The van was partially off the highway and seven students were standing outside of it.
That's when police say 26-year-old Deangelo Evans of Chicago, who was driving under the influence, hit four of the students.
Brook M. Dagnew, Nerad Grace Mangai and Kirubel Alemayehu Hailu died at the scene. The fourth victim, at last check, was still listed in critical condition at a Fort Wayne hospital.
"She was a bright spirit, said E'Mon Harris, a Manchester freshman. "Always studied biology together. We're planning to on Wednesday."
"I knew Brooke and he would always cheer you up with a smile," said freshman Sarah Lopez. "He was always known on campus for his bright smile and happy attitude. I always enjoyed seeing that when I went to the cafeteria, which is mostly where I saw him."
School officials say that because of the family-like atmosphere, everyone will rally together to get through this difficult time.
"Those individual students had close friends," said David McFadden, president of Manchester University. "And faculty and staff are close with them, as well. So, that's all going to surround them with love and prayers during a very difficult time."
The students were returning from campus visits to Ball State and Taylor University.
The suspect in the case, Evans, sustained minor injuries. He now faces seven felony charges in the deaths. Formal charges were filed Monday.
Manchester University President Dave McFadden sent an email to the University community on Monday afternoon:
“Manchester has always been a place of love and community, and it found full expression in the past 36 hours. Thank you for the many ways you are supporting each other as we mourn the loss of Nerad, Brook and Kirubel.”
“First, I am delighted to report that Israel Tamire continues to recover at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne from injuries he suffered in Sunday morning’s accident. I am deeply grateful to Professor Benson Onyeji, who stayed with Israel and comforted him during most of the day yesterday and has been with him again today.”
Some of his relatives are now with Israel at the hospital.
Cards and letters for Israel and for the families affected may be sent to the Office of the President, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962. Please indicate on the envelope who they are for. We will make sure the appropriate people receive your messages of support.
“A number of people are asking about making monetary gifts that could be used to honor the students and/or provide support for their families. We have established the International Student Emergency Fund, a temporary fund that will help offset travel and other expenses for the families. Additionally, we are working out details of memorial funds to honor Nerad, Brook and Kirubel. All contributions may be sent or delivered to the President’s Office and we will ensure that those gifts are used in the spirit in which they are given.”
The University also is working out the details of a memorial service for Nerad Grace Mangai, Brook M. Dagnew and Kirubel Alemayehu Hailu.
Counselors remain available for students, faculty and staff as the close-knit community comes together to help each other.
“Manchester is a special place. We have had too many reasons to draw together and support one another this year, but know that our kindness and compassion are limitless. I know we will support each other with abundant care in the days ahead and I am grateful for each and every one of you.”
