Memorials for two college students

Thousands gathered over the weekend for memorials remembering Dwight Clark, an Auburn teenager who died a week after going off to college at Western Washington University in Bellingham, and Carly Henley a UW student who committed suicide.

Neither death makes sense to the families involved.

Clark was constantly staying in touch with family and friends through text messages, until he left a party. His body was found in a pond near the WWU campus. The 18-year-old’s driver’s license, student ID, credit cards, cell phone and cash were also discovered on the body. No external or internal injuries that would lead to his death were found, according to the report. Clark’s family will have two wait a couple of months for a toxicology report that might give them some answers.

Henley seemed to have a promising future ahead of her – a talented singer and songwriter with a lot of family and friends to support her. Most didn’t know she was battling depression, and no one knew how serious it was.

Nearly 1,100 suicides will occur on college campuses this year, making it the second leading cause of death among college students, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In the next few weeks, I’ll introduce you to a brave mother who is willing to talk about her son’s suicide four weeks ago – he was also a UW student – with the hope that her story can raise awareness, and ultimately prevent deaths.

Friends and family remember Dwight and Carly through comments left on Facebook memorial pages:

I’m so very sorry. He was too young. My thoughts are with Dwight’s family and friends.

Obviously a very, very special young man. There are no words for this kind of sorrow. He and his life were a light in this world, and his light will continue to shine in people’s hearts. No one can take that away! May God greatly comfort and bless all of his family and friends!

What a wonderful memorial. The rain held off till the end and then it was as if the tears of Angel’s fell upon all.

Make him a rainbow, he’ll shine down on his mother. She’ll know he’s safe with you when she stands under those colors. Oh and life aint always what you think it ought to be, no.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Saw that on a headstone in Ireland.

Dwight, you will always be in our hearts and never forgotten; it just wasn’t right to lose you.

Carly your spirit lives on through your music. Such a bright shining star in heaven!

You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. I miss you Carly.

You will live on, darling sister, in the thoughts and prayers and dreams of your Delta Gamma sisters whose lives have been enriched by yours.

Carly, you have made me appreciate what I am doing one thousand times more. I can’t thank you enough. I am going to carry a part of you in my heart and live for you.

Still can’t believe how one day someone could be here, and they’re gone the next. Please pray for Carly Henley’s family and friends.

Carly, you were our sister and our saint. Beautiful, I miss you so much, but I am so thankful for everything you blessed me with.