Thousands of students gathered by candlelight at the University of Virginia's amphitheater tonight to mourn Yeardley Love, the fourth-year women's lacrosse player who died this week.
"It has been a confusing, disturbing and heart-wrenching three days," said fourth year class President Sarah Elaine Hart.
Others expressed the same sentiment.
Another fourth-year student, men's lacrosse player George Huguely, has been charged with first-degree murder in Love's death.
"The way in which we have lost Yeardley has shaken us," Student Council President Colin Hood said. "We find ourselves with more questions than answers."
U.Va. President John T. Casteen III, addressed the crowd somberly.
"There are some profound ironies in our gathering here tonight for this purpose," he said. "This is the springtime. It is the time of year for renewal, for new beginnings, and yet we have come to grieve the ending of a young life, of Yeardley Love's life."
Casteen said that he wouldn't discuss the evidence in the case. Instead, he focused on Love's death and the lesson the college community should draw from it.
"Yeardley Love did nothing to deserve to be attacked . . . . to deserve to suffer the injuries of which we have all read . . . to deserve to die," Casteen said, as sobbing broke out in the amphitheater.
He told students not to be afraid to speak out about violence or abuse.
"If you fear for yourself or for others any form of violence, act," he said. "Seek the support that belongs to you because you belong to us."
He said silence hurts not only the victim, but the entire community of trust.
"Violence and abuse, left unconfronted, can and will destroy this culture that we love," Casteen said.
Students thronged to the event, filling the seating area at the amphitheater, sitting on the grass at its center and lining nearby hillsides. Some showed signs of visible grief. Others, including some who didn't know Love personally, were simply subdued. Many university athletes attended.
"I just wanted to come show support. I didn't know her, but she's actually from where I live," said first-year student Emily Gorman.
Support was a common sentiment among the students.
"It's nice to come out and support, pay respect," said second-year student Ryan Peters of Covington.
Earlier in the day, U.Va. officials said they plan to award Love a posthumous degree at graduation, which will take place later this month.
"We're working to make sure that happens," said Carol Wood, university spokeswoman.
Also today, Athletics Director Craig Littlepage said that U.Va.'s spring sports teams are discussing ways that they might honor Love's memory. Ideas including wearing a patch on their uniforms with Love's initials or jersey number.
Brian McNeill is a staff writer at The Daily Progress in Charlottesville.
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