Students Perish In Auto Accident

Two students from the Schreyer Honors College died in a car accident near Carroll Township on June 6. Jonathan Quigley, Emily Trump and driver Gregory Bretz were traveling in a car early in the morning when it veered off the road and crashed into a tree. Johnathan Quigley was pronounced dead at the scene, while Emily Trump passed away in the hospital later that day. Bretz is listed in serious condition at the Hershey Medical Center as of Saturday evening.

The Sentinel (a newspaper from Cumberland County) reported this about the accident:

Police said Bretz was driving a 1994 Ford Ranger west on Fox Hollow Road when, at about 6:10 a.m., it veered to the left, crossed the eastbound lane and traveled off the roadway. The vehicle ran over some bushes before hitting the tree.

The accident comes after another Penn State student drowned in Tennessee in late May. May they all rest in peace.

Update on 6/8/2009:

Obituaries and funeral details for Jonathan Quigley and Emily Trump have been posted on the Malpezzi Funeral Home website. Both families have requested that anyone interested in donating in their name to please direct it to their respective THON groups. Information is listed near the bottom of the page.

[Source]
[Dean Brady's Blog]
[Swim Team Page Remembering Quigley]

farnaz

Wow, this news is just so unfortunate and terrible. I did not know either of them personally, but I remember seeing them around Atherton and Simmons, always surrounded by friends and in good spirits. My deepest sympathies to their families, to their friends, and to all those who had the privilege of knowing them both…I am sure that they will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts.
Laura Karp

Emily was a close friend who lived across the hall from me this year. With just one smile she won her way into our hearts and in one year had such an amazing impact on me and my entire group of friends. My favorite thing about Em was that she was always smiling. E ven when complaining about crappy State College weather or her crazy exam schedule, she had a smile that lit up the room. I’ll always remember the pictures covering every square inch of wallspace in her dorm room and her and Meg’s matching outfits (accidental, of course). I’ll always remember how much she loved to make people laugh and how hard she tried in every activity she participated in. We were involved in many activities together, from Springfield THON to Simmonators Powderpuff and so much more! I connsider myself so lucky to have gotten to know her so well in such a short period of time. We’re all still numb with shock and sadness about the tragedy; I’m still hoping to wake up from this nightmare and see Em’s smiling face at ArtsFest in July. She was full of laughter, full of life, and will be fully missed forever and always.
a dad

This is another sad example of the invincibility many kids feel behind the wheel of a car. As adults we have all been there and understand. This is a parents nightmare. PLEASE PLEASE dont let these children’s passing go without purpose. Make your teen drivers read this story and understand that the automobile is a weapon. Precious lives are lost and the impact on many many people left to grieve is enormous and never ending. Make your kids sign driving contracts available on many web sites. Make them understand that driving safe does not only mean not drinking or being in a car with a driver that is drinking, auto safety goes way beyond that. My heart felt sympathy as a parent to the families affected by this.
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Judy Quigley (Jon’s Mother)

In response to “a dad”, please understand that alcohol was not involved in the accident. Jon was doing what he always does and was taking care of a sick friend. They had taken her home and were returning to where they were staying when the driver fell asleep, the road made a bend and the car didn’t. To imply that they were driving under the influence without knowing the facts is wrong.
kay

Emily was a friend of my granddaughter and though I did not know her personally, I am incredibly sad for The Trump and The Quigley family. Emily and Jon were exceptional young people and will be missed by those whose lives they touched. Our sincere sympathy to all.
A friend

While I may have only known Emily for a brief time, she really affected me in those couple of months that I knew her. I loved her and admired her because she truly was one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my entire lifetime. She was caring, compassionate and most importantly, she was completely genuine. Her smile could light up the room and her laugh lit up our hearts. I just want to say that she was truly destined for greatness and I hope that God really does have a better reason to keep her up there. I know that she is constantly watching over all of us and that she will always be in our hearts. Rest in Peace Emily. May you forever watch over us and may your smile and laugh continue to light up the world
I love you girl