x
Breaking News
More () »

'She was just such a light to everyone' | UCA holds vigil for student after tragedy

With songs and candles, Rebekah Harpool's loved ones reflected on how her life will change theirs forever.

CONWAY, Ark. — The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) community continues to mourn the loss of Rebekah Harpool, a sophomore who died Wednesday after being hit by a car on campus.

"She was just such a light to everyone," Devyn Ruiz said.

The UCA community’s goal was to share her legacy.

RELATED: UCA honor student dies after being hit by car on campus

"Loving, she is a light, sarcastic and witty, and really quick-witted, and just all-around great person. Had a huge heart, loved the people she was with, and was never afraid to make new friends and be a part of whatever was going on," Nolan McNiel said.

Her friends said the number of faces at her candlelight vigil speaks volumes.

"She had a tremendous impact on the people that she was around and, you know, whether or not people are here for support of others or, you know, because they need to gather with people, it definitely shows how impactful her life was," McNiel said.

Everyone took home a bookmark with words she lived by: "Be kind to yourself."

"Rebekah was supportive of everything and everyone. Any little thing, like she would just be so happy and ecstatic. If it brought you joy, it brought her joy," Ruiz said.

With songs and candles, her loved ones reflected on how her life will change theirs forever.

"The choir sounded amazing. And I just loved that that was a group that she was a part of and that they were here to pay tribute to her. And that we were able to light candles to show what a light Rebekah was to us and the light she put inside of us," Ruiz said.

Funeral services for Rebekah will be held Tuesday. 

To keep Rebekah’s memory alive, a memorial scholarship has been set up on UCA’s website here.

RELATED: UCA Bear honors late father on the field just 48 hours after his death

Before You Leave, Check This Out