(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the deaths of Samuel Knopp and Celie Montgomery, two young adults who were killed at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. As the community continues to heal, students and staff joined together for a healing walk across campus on Mon. Feb. 19 to remember the lives lost.
Members of the UCCS community walked with roses in their hands as they made their way across campus to the makeshift memorial set up at the mountain lion statue in the El Pomar Plaza. Staff said the memorial will move inside the student center in a few days, but in the meantime, anyone is welcome to stop by.
UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and Student Body President Axel Brown led the somber walk and gave brief remarks to remember Knopp, Montgomery, and Mia Brown. Brown passed away on Monday, Feb. 12 following a medical emergency.
“While I wish that we were gathered here under better circumstances, it is difficult moments like this that highlight just how strong our UCCS community truly is,” Brown said. “We are here together to mourn and reflect on a moment in time that I can only describe as one of the most difficult weeks in UCCS history.”
Chancellor Sobanet described Knopp as a senior studying music and as a beloved member of the Visual and Performing Arts department. Sobanet added that Knopp was an accomplished guitar player and an extremely talented musician.
While classes and other activities are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Diversus Health is offering 24/7 walk-in crisis services to anyone in the community who may be struggling.
FOX21 News will continue to update this article with reaction from the community walk.
