Tragedy on the Eastern Shore: Remembering the Lives LostThe University of Maryland Eastern Shore community is in mourning after a tragic car accident claimed the lives of two of its students. Makayla Belton, an 18-year-old freshman, and Eric Stanley, a 22-year-old junior, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash in Seaford, Delaware. The incident has left the campus reeling, as students, faculty, and staff grapple with the devastating loss.

Honoring the Fallen Hawks

A Close-Knit Community in Grief

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a small, tight-knit community, and the impact of this tragedy is being felt deeply across the campus. Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Experience Latoya Jenkins described the atmosphere as one of "sadness and grief," as students, faculty, and staff struggle to make sense of the devastating loss.The university has responded swiftly, offering counseling services to those in need. Jenkins explained that the institution has a plan in place for such unfortunate events, allowing them to quickly mobilize resources and support for the campus community. Individual and group counseling sessions have been made available, providing a space for students, staff, and faculty to come together and grieve.

A Vigil for the Fallen

In the wake of the tragedy, the campus community came together to hold a vigil, providing an opportunity for students to gather, mourn, and find solace in one another. The vigil served as a poignant moment of reflection, as the university community sought to make sense of the unimaginable loss.The Student Government Association (SGA) also declared a Campus Mental Health Day, recognizing the profound impact this event has had on the well-being of the student body. This gesture underscores the university's commitment to supporting its students during this difficult time.

Continuing Support and Resources

The university has assured that the counseling services and resources will remain available throughout the week, with a dedicated space in the Student Service Center for those seeking support. Jenkins emphasized the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for the campus community to grieve and heal."As a small, close-knit community, we are all feeling the impact, and so today as I'm talking to students, faculty, and staff, there is a sadness and some grief on campus," Jenkins said. "Those counseling services will look like individual counseling, and meeting those needs, as well as group counseling for people who want to come in and be amongst their peers of students, staff, or faculty."The university has also encouraged students who require additional counseling resources to reach out to the designated hotline, ensuring that no one is left without the support they need during this difficult time.

A Tragic Reminder of the Importance of Safety

While the university community mourns the loss of Makayla Belton and Eric Stanley, the incident has also served as a tragic reminder of the importance of safe driving and responsible behavior. The Delaware State Police have reported that the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash was suspected of being under the influence, underscoring the devastating consequences that can result from such actions.The university has expressed its hope that this tragedy will inspire everyone, both on campus and in the broader community, to prioritize safety and make responsible choices when it comes to driving and alcohol consumption. The lives of these two young Hawks were cut short, and the university is determined to honor their memory by promoting a culture of safety and responsibility.As the campus community continues to grapple with this profound loss, the university's focus remains on supporting its students, faculty, and staff through this difficult time. The counseling services and resources will remain in place, providing a vital lifeline for those in need. The university's commitment to its community is unwavering, and it will continue to stand together, united in grief and resilience, as they navigate the path forward.