The University of Virginia is grieving. The tragic losses of Devin Chandler, D’Sean Perry and Lavel Davis Jr. have ripped this community apart as yet another shooting has befallen a college campus. Yet even in the darkness, there is light. The Charlottesville community and the broader national landscape have rallied together to keep the fires of memory alive so that these three will always hold a place in our hearts. In the University’s hour of need, many have come together to immortalize Devin, D’Sean and Lavel’s contributions to the countless people whose lives they touched. 

On Monday night, multiple student organizations around Grounds called for the student body to assemble together on the South Lawn to mourn. Citizens of Charlottesville, faculty members and students surrounded the Homer statue in utter silence. The lights from each candle illuminated the night sky, producing three unforgettable stars which would watch over the University and its beloved sons. Their spirits will not fade away and will remain forever ingrained in the community which they helped to create.

The memories flooding in of the three student-athletes, brothers, sons, friends, and role-models have provided a platform to celebrate the lives of these extraordinary young men. Lavel, D’Sean and Devin will be remembered for far more than what they contributed on the athletic fields. Throughout this past week, many players, students and coaches have spoken out about their stories of the three victims and what they will remember most; a common theme of kindness, compassion, and the brightest smiles imaginable emerged. These three classmates of ours at the University had limitless potential, pursuing their dreams through football and academics while lighting up so many others’ worlds in the process. 

Time will perhaps never heal the wounds that have opened in Charlottesville. As classmates and members of this community, we are all processing the emotions of this tragedy in a different way. The shock and numbness of Sunday’s events has, and will not, wear away in this mourning period. We are thinking of the families and friends of the victims, the football program, and anyone affected by this national tragedy as the world begins to turn towards the process of healing. Whether the team decides to play against Virginia Tech or not, we support the decision of the young men who knew Devin, D’Sean and Lavel best. It is up to this community to remember these three and forever commemorate their beautiful, kind, and compassionate souls. They will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Devin, D’Sean and Lavel.