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NEW CANAAN, Conn. -- Kelsey Durkin of New Canaan, a senior at Washington and Lee University, was killed in a car accident in Virginia early Tuesday, according to a statement from the college.
Ten students were involved in the one-car crash, which also injured several others, according to an email from the college.
"There are no words to express the grief we feel over the loss of someone taken from us so suddenly and tragically," the college said in a statement. "In the days ahead, in the weeks and months ahead, our sadness will be lessened only by the memories of her time with us."
The driver of the 2006 Chevy Tahoe has been charged with driving under the influence, according to WDBJ Roanoke/Lynchburg.
Durkin was four-year starting defensewoman on the New Canaan High School's girls hockey team. She graduated in 2010.
"Our hearts go out to the family of Kelsey Durkin and her many friends on this campus. Kelsey, a senior from New Canaan, Connecticut, was the student who died in the accident early this morning," said a statement from university President President Kenneth P. Ruscio.
"There are no words to express the grief we feel over the loss of someone taken from us so suddenly and tragically. In the days ahead, in the weeks and months ahead, our sadness will be lessened only by the memories of her time with us.
"This is a community of compassion and caring friendships. That makes the sadness we feel deep and genuine," Ruscio said. "But this is also a community of strength and support for one another, and we need now more than ever to call upon that most precious quality. I don’t need to remind you to be there for one another, to draw support from our ability to care for each other, to keep the Durkin family especially in your thoughts and prayers, and to be there for them."
The injured students were treated at Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital. Two of the students were then taken to University of Virginia Medical Center, and one student was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, according to the school.
Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, Va. The crash was in Rockbridge County, Va.
A candlelight vigil was held on the campus Tuesday night to remember Durkin and to offer support for students, according to the college's website.
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