U of A students hold vigil for peers killed by vehicles | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The University of Arizona community gathered to remember four students who died after being hit by cars late last month. The gathering focused on how they lived rather than the tragic events that took their lives.

Sophia Troetel, 21, Josiah Santos, 22, and Katya Castillo Mendoza, 21, were hit in a crosswalk at North Euclid Avenue and East Second Street on Oct. 30. Peter Wanjohi, a 19 year-old student, was hit on October 26, while reportedly running through the crosswalk at South Kino Parkway and East 15th Street, according to Tucson police.

“The impact these individuals had on campus was immense,” Sarah Spilsbury, a University of Arizona graduate, told News 4 Tucson. “These individuals have touched so many people on campus. And it’s nice to be with my friends and celebrating Sophia,” Spilsbury said.

Speakers at the event included friends, University of Arizona staff, and members of student groups like KAMP Student Radio, where Sophia Troetel served as the student station’s general manager.

“I really don’t know what we’re going to do from here on,” Kirby Ellis, a University of Arizona junior with KAMP, said. “We’re going to be the best we can for each other. But, long and short of it, I don’t think we’re ever going to fully recover from this.”

Most attendees were students, still reeling from the sudden losses. Spilsbury was there to honor the friend she met studying abroad, Troetel.

“I think that’s the biggest thing I can take away is that she lived a full life, even though it was cut short. And I think that’s really beautiful, and I get to admire that for the rest of my life,” Spilsbury said.

The university plans to continue honoring these students.

Adriana Grijalva, president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, announced Thursday night that the U of A football team will wear patches in honor of the four students during its game against Kansas this Saturday.