University of Mount Olive to Observe Anniversary of Tragic Accident
MOUNT OLIVE, North Carolina --- This week the University of Mount Olive will remember the lives lost and affected by the tragedy of March 13, 2020. As a result of a vehicle collision,
Madison Mergl, a freshman exercise science major from Sayville, NY;
Ann Wray, a sophomore agribusiness major from Oakland, NJ;
Jett Swetland, a senior business management major from Sparta, OH; and
Chaney Partrich, a freshman exercise science major from Chapin, SC all perished. The lives of the surviving victims: Alex Eubanks of Bowie, MD;
Amber McCarthy of Havelock, NC; and
Tiffany Lee of Gambrills, MD will forever be altered. All six of the women in the accident were members of the UMO women's lacrosse team, while Jett was a former member of the UMO baseball team.
"The tragedy of March 13, 2020 is one that the University of Mount Olive community will never forget," said UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom. "These students' families, friends, teammates, and fellow students, faculty, and staff have suffered profound sorrow and pain. A phrase we have come to associate with that tragic event is 'Trojan Tough'. We heard it a great deal around our campus as we prayed for Madison, Ann, Jett, Chaney, Alex, Amber, and Tiffany. We continue to use the phrase to symbolize the combination of qualities like diligence, persistence, and the resilience to face life's adversities with fortitude. As we remember March 13, let us never forget these students or the spirit of being 'Trojan Tough'."
To mark the twelve-month anniversary of that fatal event, the University has planned several events throughout the week to remember the baseball and women's lacrosse student-athletes. Starting on Wednesday, March 10, luminaries will be lit around Rodgers Chapel and flowers placed inside the Chapel, with space made for private prayer and meditation. On Saturday, March 13, the Chapel Carillon will be set to play several musical selections in dedication and remembrance of those affected by the tragedy.
The parents and family members of
Madison Mergl,
Ann Wray, and
Chaney Partrich have been invited to the women's lacrosse game scheduled for Saturday, March 13, at 12 noon, while
Jett Swetland's parents have been invited to the baseball game, also scheduled for 12 noon. There will be a moment of silence before the national anthem of each game, and there will be a presentation of jerseys made to the four families. In an expression of solidarity and remembrance, each member of the Trojan's women's team will wear sweatbands with the numbers 18, 27, and 28, marking the jersey numbers of their fallen teammates. Likewise the Trojan baseball team will wear hats with a memorial patch in memory of Jett. A bronze plaque will be dedicated at the entrance of the Ray McDonald, St. Sports Complex as a constant reminder of the lives of Madison, Ann, Chaney, and Jett.
Attendance for the athletics events on March 13 will be limited in accordance with the University's COVID policy, but both games, including the memorial activities, will be webcast on the
Trojan Sports Network.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University is sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit
www.umo.edu.
**Story courtesty of Mount Olive**