Winnetka College Student Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver In New York

(CBS) -- A college student from Winnetka has been killed by a drunk driver while walking with friends in New York state.

Sarah McCausland was just 18 and studying at Bard College north of New York City. CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports during her years at New Trier High School her many musical talents made her a standout.

For years Sarah McCausland's brassy voice was one of the highlights of her high school's music department.

"She had such a beautiful and distinctive voice it was magical listening to her sing," said Joe Agase, a friend of McCausland.

Friend Sabrina Fosse said, "I think the most striking thing about Sarah was her passion for life."

But the Winnetka teen's musical passion was silenced by a hit and run driver. The 2013 New Trier Graduate was a freshman at Bard College in New York. She and another classmate were killed as they walked with friends Friday night near campus.

The shock of her untimely death is hitting the friends and teachers whose lives she touched.

"She also was this quirky personality that a lot of kids liked," said David Lass, music chair at New Trier High School.

63-year-old Carol Boeck is now charged with felony driving while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter, she has a previous conviction for drunk driving.

Back home, the outpouring of grief and poetic remembrances from her young friends are almost endless on McCausland's Facebook page.

"That she was killed by a drunk driver makes us angry," said Fosse.

"I am just so fortunate to have known her and call her my friend," said Agase.

Her parents have traveled to New York to bring her body back, they are planning a memorial here at home later this week.