Prayers said at candlelight vigil for recently deceased student

The life of a fellow UNC student was remembered Saturday evening with a candle-lit vigil accompanied by prayer.

Morgan Terrell, a sophomore theater major, jumped from the 13th floor of Turner Hall at approximately 12:40 a.m. Saturday. He was pronounced dead half an hour later at North Colorado Medical Center.

More than 100 students participated in the vigil and huddled together for warmth and comfort in the below-freezing temperatures as Terrell's friends reflected on his character.

"Anybody that knew Morgan absolutely loved him. The kid was happy at all times," said Matt Scott, Terrell's roommate in Turner. "He had plans, a future — he had a way to go for his life. None of us had expected this, and it is hard for a lot of people."

Alex Curry, who organized the vigil on Facebook, said she wasn't expecting such a large turnout, and the attendees who didn't know Terrell attests to the University of Northern Colorado's ability to come together and show support. Curry also read from Isaiah 41:10.

"God is here tonight and he is loving on all of you," Curry said.

Kody Gast, Terrell's roommate in Belford Hall last year, said he was touched by the outpouring of support.

"It's tough. I lived with him for a year, so he basically became like a brother to me," Gast said. "It's hard, and I want to thank you for your support."

Sheldon Brown, a resident assistant in Turner, said he enjoyed watching Denver Broncos games with Terrell and that his enthusiasm would be missed.

"Now more than ever we need to be here for each other," Brown said. "Tragedies have happened in the past, but the one thing time and time again that always amazes me is how many people come and rally for somebody they may not even know, simply because they know someone that was affected by this. To the people that were affected by this, this means the world to them."

Scott offered words of comfort to those grieving over the loss of Terrell.

"None of you should feel sorry," he said. "Morgan hated it when people were sorry. You can feel sad, you can mourn, but don't be sorry."

Students then walked in unison to the University Center, where prayers were said and a moment of silence was given.