On December 18 at 8:30 p.m., Augustana first-year Yến Ngô was struck by a vehicle and killed at the intersection of 16th Street and US-31 in Holland, Michigan. According to Holland Police Sergeant Jon Boeve, lead investigator on the case, she was attempting to cross the street on her bicycle at a red light.
Yến Ngô was an international student who came to Augustana College from Hà Nội (Hanoi), Vietnam. Dean Evelyn Campbell said, “Any time one of our students is seriously injured or passes away, it’s tragic. First was the realization that we’d lost someone from our community. The next thought was just – as the students find out about this, what are we going to do as a community to make sure we are providing them with support, strength and support?”
The campus held an informational meeting Tuesday morning and there was also a reflection at 3 p.m. that afternoon to honor her memory.
Several staff members were available on campus that day for student support.
When students return to campus, the college is offering two events to honor Ngô. The first Monday back from break there will be a Community Gathering to share memories of her in Gavle 3. Also, there be a Candlelight Time of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan 11 at 4:30 p.m. in Gavle 3.