A Nigerian student and two other African students of Manchester
University, UK, died and a fourth injured when a van driven by a man who
authorities say was intoxicated struck them on Sunday, February 21.
Deangelo R. Evans is facing charges in connection with the crash. The 26-year-old from Chicago, was charged with
three counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, one count
of OWI resulting in serious bodily injury, and three counts of reckless
homicide.
The
crash happened shortly before 5:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes near
mile marker 253. According to the Grant County Sheriff's Department, it
appears that the students' van was stopped in the median with a flat
tire. Seven
people were standing outside when another van that was headed north on
I-69 left the road and went into the median, striking four of the
students.
The
victims, all international students have been identified as Nerad Grace
Mangai from Jos, Nigeria, (find her photos above) Brook M. Dagnew
and Kirubel Alemayehu
Hailu, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Israel Solomon Tamire was taken by helicopter to Parkview Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne and is listed in critical condition.
Nebiyu Shiferaw
Alemu, Amanuel Atsbha Gebreyohannes and Dagmawi Meseret Tadesse were
not seriously hurt and have returned to campus. University officials say
the students had been to Ball State and Taylor University prior to the
accident.
"We
have an intercultural center and our students have begun to gather
there. We have counselors there, staff and friends there. It's going to
be a long process. We anticipate having services on campus for the
students. We've notified parents and it's a matter of those students
being able to be together and to support one another," said David
McFadden, President, Manchester University.
A gathering was planned for Sunday night in Petersime Chapel at Manchester University for students, faculty and staff.
"For those wishing to provide support to the students and their
families, in any form, you may send them to the President's office. We
will be collecting and mailing cards and support to the families of the
students lost this weekend. Monetary donations can be offered as well, more information will be
provided as resources are confirmed. Thank you to all who have provided
so much love and support in our community's time of grief" the University wrote on its Facebook page.
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