Memorial mass for two Notre Dame students
Memorial mass for two Notre Dame students Save Email Print
Posted: 11:34 PM Feb 19, 2008
Last Updated: 11:56 PM Feb 19, 2008
Reporter: Erin Logan
Email Address: erin.logan@wndu.com

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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.”

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Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 20, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Jordan...what?!?

Posted by: Jordan Location: Michigan City Indiana on Feb 20, 2008 at 01:53 PM
I think that the world is changing. People are dying and getting killed for stupid reasons. SO it just needs to be more protection in the universe. When you go for a walk or something take a friend or something with you instead of going by yourself. Please people of the United States think before you do something stupid.

Posted by: June Location: South Bend on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM
GOD BLESS THE 2 STUDENTS AN THEIR FAMILY&FRIENDS.I FEEL YOUR PAIN FOR I LOST MY ONLY NEPHEW IN NOV,07 WHO WENT TO BALL STATE.

Posted by: BigRedEvil Location: Death Valley on Feb 20, 2008 at 09:09 AM
May they rest in peace.

Posted by: Linda Location: Silver lake Indiana on Feb 20, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Sorry to hear about the loss of 2 students i didnt know either one but thats sad! My thoughts and prayers are with the familys of both students and their friends that lost a loved one! God bless all of you! Now they rest in peace!

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 20, 2008 at 12:04 AM
My prayers are with them all. Was it determined that Connor died of natural causes already? May he rest in peace.


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