THREE STUDENTS REMEMBERED: SUCCESSIVE DEATHS SHOCKS AND SADDENS CAMPUS by Michelle Spoto
photograph by Shane Keller
Pranita Agarwal Watching friends, family and staff file into the small chapel in the Schmitt Interfaith Center, it became clear that Pranita Agarwal left a huge void in the RIT community. During her memorial service on October 14, friends and relatives of Pranita spoke passionately about her life and the memories they shared. Pranita, a second year multidisciplinary studies student from India, passed away on October 11 in a tragic car accident at the intersection of Jefferson Road and John Street. Jeremy Kimble, a fourth year civil engineering technology major, witnessed the accident at around 1:30 a.m. He described the car coming head on, hitting a van and ricocheting off. A few moments later, the vehicle hit the curb and became airborne. “The car caught on fire,” said Kimble, illustrating the dramatic scene near Park Point and a U-Haul rental lot. “The flames were probably five feet higher than the tops of the U-Haul trucks.” This terrible event stunned the entire RIT community who continue to mourn her. During her time here, Pranita influenced the lives of RIT students and staff members who remember her as loving, caring and compassionate. Unfortunately, Pranita is only the last of three RIT students who recently passed.
photograph taken from Facebook
photograph taken from Facebook
Robert Rozeski III Robert Rozeski III, a third year student in the electrical engineering program, passed away on October 8. Robert’s death came as a surprise and with a clean toxicology report; cause of death is still unknown. Robert was always proud to be from Buffalo and could be seen wearing Sabres and Bills gear on game days. He often watched games for both teams with his roommate and friend Tim Ruof, a third year new media publishing major. Ruof described Robert as, “unique – one of the smartest people anyone knew. He was always helping people, especially in math.” In addition to this selflessness, Brenna Whalen, a third year interior design student and friend, said that “Robert had the biggest heart of anyone I knew. He was too good to be taken from us so soon.”
Nicholas Murray Another loss to the RIT community came on October 2 with the death of Nicholas Murray, a third year microelectronic engineering major. It was an unexpected loss that shocked the community. Nick’s parents and friends, who chose not to disclose the details behind his death, focused on describing his warm and generous personality. Those close to him say it was this personality and a big heart that made Nick a positive force here on campus. During his time at RIT, Nick formed close friendships with many students, including Gordon Werner, a third year computer engineering major. In WErner’s words, “Nick was someone you could talk to. He would do anything for you.” According to family and friends, Nick was not only selfless and compassionate, but he also lived his life by his own firm convictions, no matter the consequence. It is this character and loyalty that they wish Nick to be remembered by. These last few weeks have seen the death of three caring RIT students, who contributed to their community. The loss of these students is certainly felt by the entire community, but the positive impact they have each had here remains. Pranita, Nick and Robert are all truly missed.
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