Tragedy has struck James Madison University (JMU) again as freshman student from Fairfax, Virginia, Jane Hwang, 18, was hit by a city bus while walking back to her car the night of Tuesday, Nov. 15. The incident occurred at 9:52 p.m. on James Madison's campus. Hwang died at the scene of the accident.
According to several different reports, the bus driver will not face charges for the incident, as police have reported the cause of the accident due to inattention of the pedestrian. The intersection itself was controlled by traffic as well as crosswalk signals. State Police Sergeant Frank Ingham explained to the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the bus was "going through a green light and making a left turn when the accident occurred." Hwang was apparently wearing dark-colored clothing when she entered the intersection as the signal turned to a "Do Not Walk" signal.
In just one month, the college community at JMU has experienced five deaths ranging from students to faculty to alumni. In addition to Hwang, the deaths include alumnus Rob Throo, students Katie Mausteller, Nicholas Keatts, Kristen Edwards and Vice Provost for Research and Public Service John Noftsinger.
A press release from the campus spread the word about "Forever All, Together One," an event held off campus at the convocation center Wednesday, Nov. 16, as an opportunity for the community to gather to honor the lives lost. The event was planned by students and designed for students, faculty, staff and alumni in Harrisonburg to "come together, mourn and show support for those in need." The release also expressed thanks for the support of other colleges and communities that have expressed sympathies toward the recent deaths.
Many students from the area have been affected by the recent deaths at JMU. One student, senior Justin Racer, commented on the effect the deaths had on the community as well as what the university is doing to prevent some of the situations.
Racer said there was a ceremony held on campus for anyone to attend, which was nice and ran smoothly for all to partake in. When asked if there was anything JMU could do about some of these deaths to prevent them in the future, he answered yes, adding that JMU is looking for other ways to help make pedestrians more cautious when crossing intersections on campus. Racer said students were sad, concerning their emotions. "It has been hard on us all," he said. The feelings about the deaths on campus overall were a bit of an eye-opener to all individuals, as Racer commented that it shows "it can happen to anyone."
Students have also shown their spirit by wearing purple around campus just after the most recent death of Hwang occurred. Vigils and small memorials were set up around campus for students to express their sympathies for their fellow students, staff and faculty members all around the campus. The death has brought the JMU community closer together as student have banned together in mourning for their fellow Dukes all around the university.
