Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil Tuesday night in honor of Michigan State University student Alexandria Verner, a junior who was among the three killed during a Monday night campus shooting. . The shooting left five others with serious injuries.
Mourners, many in heavy jackets and sweaters, embraced the cold in Clawson, Michigan, gathering on the Clawson High School football field to light candles and remember Verner, an “incredibly beloved” member of alumni and the school community.
Verner graduated from Clawson High in 2020 and “was and is incredibly loved by everyone,” district superintendent Billy Shellenbarger said in a statement Tuesday. “She was a great student, athlete, leader and exemplified kindness every day of her life.”
“If you knew her, you loved her and we will always remember the lasting impact she has had on all of us,” Shellenbarger said, noting that her family was “heartbroken, but certainly already feeling the uplifting support of this tremendous community.”
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Mourners attend a candlelight vigil for Alexandria Verner at the Clawson High School football field in Clawson, Michigan on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
In a statement Tuesday, Clawson Public Schools added, “We will forever remember the lasting impact Alex had on all of us. Our hearts are broken by the loss of this incredible young man we love so much.”
During the candlelight vigil, those gathered were also silent for 24 seconds, as Verner wore the number 24 jersey when playing basketball at Clawson High.
“While you’re silent,” Shellenbarger said over the PA, “think of his smile, think of that hero who was with us for 20 years.”
The candlelight vigil was organized by Shellenbarger.
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The school is located in a Detroit suburb about 90 miles east of Michigan State University.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Verner was studying integrated biology and anthropology.
She is survived by her mother, father, brother and sister.
Lexi Bailey attends a candlelight vigil for Alexandria Verner at the Clawson High School football field in Clawson, Michigan on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Authorities identified the other two deceased victims of the shooting on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing Monday night as Brian Fraser, a sophomore who attended Grosse Pointe South High School, and Arielle Anderson, a junior graduating from Grosse Pointe North High School. School.
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Fraser, the president of the Michigan state chapter of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, was remembered as a “leader” who “cared deeply for his Phi Delta brethren,” the fraternity said.
“Brian was our leader and we loved him,” the group said. “He cared deeply for his Phi Delta siblings, his family, Michigan State University and Phi Delta Theta. Brian will be greatly missed and deeply mourn his passing as our chapter supports each other during this difficult time.” .
Alexandria Verner was among three students killed during a shooting on the Michigan State University campus on Monday, February 13, 2023. (FoxNews)
Anderson served her community and prioritized helping those around her, her family said in a statement describing her as “sweet and loving” with an “infectious smile.”
“As much as we loved her, she loved us and others even more,” the family said. “She was passionate about helping her friends and family, helping children and serving people.”
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Police identified the gunman as Anthony McRae, a 43-year-old man with no affiliation with the school. He opened fire inside an academic hall and a student union building shortly after 8:00 p.m.
Five people remain in critical condition after the shooting.
Paul Best of Fox News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
