At 11:45 pm on Saturday, December 4, 2005 two UB students lost their lives in a tragic car accident. The car held five young men, the surviving three where sent to the hospital. The driver, Jon Arthur Uanserume, was listed in critical but stable condition at Bridgeport Hospital at press time and the other two passengers, Anthony Davis and Richard Ford had been sent to St. Vincent’s Medical Center with less severe injuries (Anthony Davis was released). The car, heading south on Park Avenue, swerved and collided into a tree near the corner of Prospect Street before finally slamming into a fence. The crash left the Green Honda split in two. The accident happened just twenty minutes after the Mrs. And Mr. UB pageant let out. The University responded by holding a counseling session Sunday afternoon in the Bodine lobby and then later that night a candlelight vigil was held on the front steps of Bodine Hall.At the meetings students grieved, shed tears and then reminisced of the pleasant times they had with the young men. Father Randolph, a priest from a local parish in Bridgeport spoke and said a prayer during the counseling session in the afternoon. Likewise, Rev. Smallwood gave a short speech during the candlelight vigil. The candlelight vigil was held in snowy 30 degree weather, yet dozens of students came out and expressed their love and respect. Close friends and roommates spoke about the accident, many on the brink of tears or in complete disbelief. Among the many speakers were Hilary Pankey, SGA President, and University President Neil Albert Salonen. President Salonen, spoke briefly of the acceptance of the uncertainty that some students might be feeling, “There is no road map of how to feel right now no manual on what to do, and it is understandable for you to be confused. it is important that you allow yourself the proper help you need to heal.” The University Health Center has declared an open door policy for all those students feeling they need someone to talk to.
Amidst the steps lies a shrine of candles and roses, messages from those who can attest to the mark the men left on the school. A housemate of one of the deceased young men echoed a phrase he spoke just hours before the incident, “it was eerie and harsh,” said the housemate, “The good die young and the rest of us are bastards.” Certainly half of his statement was true; the campus mourns his death. Memorial services will be held on campus sometime in the near future.
****We at The Scribe would like to invite students who knew Derek and Khaliff to submit any poems, pictures or messages to share with the public and help us to remember their lives. Please email submissions to scribe@bridgeport.edu.****