It was a tragic weekend for the Notre Dame community. Two students died in unrelated incidents on two continents.

Connor McGrath, a sophomore from Oklahoma City died of natural causes Saturday on campus.

Then, Timothy Aher, a second year law student from Connecticut died as he was studying in London.

Tuesday night, they were both remembered at the Sacred Heart Basilica.

Saying goodbye to two young people wasn’t something these students ever thought they’d have to do throughout their college career.

Whether or not they knew Timothy Aher or Connor McGrath, hundreds walked through the doors of the basilica to pay their respects.

When the mass started, Father Jenkins told the students that Sunday was the saddest, most difficult day for him as President of Notre Dame.

Hearing the news that not one, but two of your own passed away was too painful.

Student after student we talked to say they too felt a lot of pain.

Erica Ruopp says, “Throughout my life, I’ve had a lot of experience with death in my family. I knew Connor a little bit and he was a great guy and we’re all going to miss him a lot.”

Geoffrey Mooney says, “Life is precious and at any moment any of us could go just as young as in our 20’s but, I think Notre Dame really helps us to come together and see we’re all one community.”