Manchester University Plans Memorial, Offers Update On Triple-Fatal Crash
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
NORTH MANCHESTER – Manchester University President Dave McFadden sent out an email Monday afternoon updating the university community on the Sunday accident that killed three international students and injured a fourth. The accident claimed the lives of students Nerad Grace Mangai, Brook M. Dagnew and Kirubel Alemayehu Hailu. In the email, McFadden said, “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.” He reported Israel Tamire, who was injured in the accident, continues to recover at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne from injuries he suffered. “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,” McFadden wrote. Some of his relatives are with Tamire at the hospital. Cards and letters for Tamire and for the families affected may be sent to the Office of the President, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962. Indicate on the envelope who they are for. “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,” McFadden wrote. The university also is working out the details of a memorial service for Mangai, Dagnew and Hailu. As soon as the university knows a time, date and place, the information will be released. Counselors remain available for students, faculty and staff. According to previous information released by the Grant County Sheriff’s Department, seven Manchester students were outside their passenger van on I-69 fixing a flat tire when a second van left the roadway to the west into the median and struck four of the students. Three died at the scene, and Tamire was flown to Lutheran. The driver of the second van, Deangelo R. Evans, 26, Chicago, was charged with three counts of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, one count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated resulting in serious bodily injury and three counts of reckless homicide. His bond was set at $300,000 and he is being held in the Grant County Jail. “Manchester is a special place,” McFadden wrote. “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.” The Career and Internship Fair planned for Wednesday has been postponed to March 9. It will be from 2 to 4 p.m. in the upper level of the Jo Young Switzer Center.
