West Chester University student hit by car, killed near campus, police say
A West Chester University student was hit and killed by a car Sunday, a school official said. Now, people at the university are remembering the young man they say meant so much to so many.
The student was struck by a car on the 300 block of South High Street around 1:30 a.m. He was taken to Paoli Hospital, where he died, according to West Chester police.
While police have not identified the pedestrian, his Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers at West Chester University say the victim was Garrett Nicholas, a 21-year-old junior.
"Our condolences go out to the family and to the entire community," West Chester Police Department Chief Joshua Lee said.
Jimmy Kane, Nicholas' roommate and the president of Pi Kappa Alpha, said he and Nicholas were part of a group of friends walking home from a bar when Nicholas was hit while crossing the street just blocks from campus.
"I was there right after the scene, and it's just a brutal thing to see," Kane said.
Classmates shared hugs and heartbreak Monday as they remembered a student whose actions inspired those around him. Students dropped off flowers at the fraternity house to show support.
"We didn't know Garrett personally, but we know a lot of these guys, and we wanna be there as much as we can," West Chester University senior Audrey Flynn said.
Detectives returned to the scene Monday afternoon, continuing to gather evidence.
Kane said he saw the driver being handcuffed, but police have not confirmed an arrest.
While the investigation continues, those close to Nicholas say the community's support means everything as they mourn a life taken far too soon.
"He was the best kid we all knew. So it's so heartbreaking to see him go," Kane said.
Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Jasmine H. Buxton confirmed the victim was a student in a letter to the community that was shared with CBS News Philadelphia.
"We are deeply saddened about this tragedy and know that this news will be hard for a number of those in our Golden Ram family. We grieve over the loss of our student with their family, friends, and everyone who knew them," Buxton said in the statement in part.
The university counseling center is available to students in need at 610-436-2301 and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Buxton said.
Pi Kappa Alpha is planning a celebration of life to honor Nicholas' memory. Details are still being worked out.
"I just think this whole situation is so awful," Erica Stolker, a West Chester University junior, said. "It's really inspiring because, as awful as it is, it's really nice that we all just come together like a community."
