OU Plans Memorial to Honor 2 Students Killed in Crash

will host a memorial and vigil Friday afternoon to honor and remember Jenna Balabuch, 19, of Romeo and Rachel Ring, 19, of Leonard. The two honor students and friends were killed in a car crash in Detroit on Oct. 22.

The event is also to rally support and hope for the recovery of OU student Shannon Waite, who was critically injured in the crash. Waite is still in serious condition as she works toward recovery, according to a news release from the university.

"Jenna and Rachel have left us far too early, but we can honor their lives by remembering them with love and by providing comfort and support to those who loved them," Oakland University President Gary Russi said in the release. "We can also support Shannon and her family by keeping them in our thoughts and prayers."

The memorial and vigil is open to all members of the Oakland University community and will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. Friday in the Oakland Room of the Oakland Center. The vigil is being organized by several members of the Oakland family, including the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and the Department of English.

The university has also made available free counseling resources for anyone who needs to talk to a professional counselor to help deal with their grief and loss. The Counseling Center can be reached at 248-370-3465.