Five months after the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students, their parents reflect on the pain and devastation while seeking solace in a newly dedicated memorial garden on campus.
In the aftermath of a horrific tragedy that shattered the close-knit community of the University of Idaho, a poignant memorial has emerged as a beacon of remembrance and healing. Five months after the senseless murders of four students, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen, their families and the university have come together to create a sanctuary of remembrance and reflection.
On a bright Wednesday afternoon, students, staff, and members of the community gathered at the university to unveil the Vandal Healing Garden, a poignant testament to the lives lost and the resilience of the Vandal family. The garden, designed by students from the College of Art and Architecture, is a vibrant and serene space that honors the memory of the slain students while providing solace to the bereaved.
University of Idaho Unveils Healing Garden to Honor Murdered Students
For Stacy Chapin, Ethan's mother, the unveiling of the garden was a bittersweet moment. "It was so well done, and it was a day meant to recognize the time and effort of the kids who built it," she told Fox News Digital. One side of the memorial is dedicated to Ethan, Xana, Kaylee, and Maddie, while the other side serves as a sanctuary for all University of Idaho families who have experienced loss.
Stacy expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she and her family have received from Ethan's fraternity brothers, her daughter's sorority sisters, the university, and the Moscow community. "It was an amazing day," she said.
University of Idaho Unveils Healing Garden to Honor Murdered Students
The memorial pays tribute to each student's unique personality through symbolic elements. Ethan's favorite colors, blue and orange, are featured in a structure that reflects his joyful spirit and infectious laughter.
Ethan's friend and fraternity brother, Drew Giacomazzi, played a pivotal role in creating the garden. "It was an 18-month project, completely funded by the community," he told Fox News Digital. "It involved a lot of meetings between students, school staff, and design professionals."
University of Idaho Unveils Healing Garden to Honor Murdered Students
In his speech at the unveiling, Giacomazzi shared his vision for the garden as a space that "unites University of Idaho students, alumni, and the Moscow community." He urged those present to honor the victims by embracing their passions, spreading kindness, and sharing joyful memories.
The University of Idaho emphasized the significance of the garden as "a testament to the inspirational response from our community and a symbol of our strength as a community." The school noted that the garden provides a dedicated space for grieving and reflection.
University of Idaho Unveils Healing Garden to Honor Murdered Students
The memorial will serve as a reminder of the immense impact that Ethan, Xana, Kaylee, and Maddie had on the university community. Their names and their vibrant spirits will forever be etched into the heart of the Vandal family.
Suspect Bryan Kohberger, a 29-year-old criminology Ph.D. student at the neighboring University of Washington in Pullman, is suspected of stabbing the four students to death in their off-campus home on November 13, 2022. He pleaded not guilty and is expected to stand trial next year.
University of Idaho Unveils Healing Garden to Honor Murdered Students
While the trial date approaches, Kohberger's defense team is seeking to change the venue, arguing that extensive pretrial publicity and the small size of the community will hinder his ability to receive a fair trial. The defendant's efforts to change the trial venue are ongoing.
As the University of Idaho community continues to heal from the tragedy, the Vandal Healing Garden stands as a lasting tribute to the victims and a symbol of resilience and hope. It serves as a reminder of the vibrant lives that were senselessly cut short and the enduring bonds that unite the Vandal family.
University of Idaho Unveils Healing Garden to Honor Murdered Students
