'This is something beautiful': UVic holds gathering after 2 students killed in bus crash

Natalia Thiessen was in her first-year calculus class at the University of Victoria in early Septemberwhen Emma Machado sat down beside her.

Thiessensaid Machadoinstantly introduced herself.

"She was this bright, cheery, wonderful person," Thiessen recalled.

The two learned they were in the same biology class. Thiessen said Machado encouraged her to go on a class field trip to the BamfieldMarine Sciences Centre, but Thiessen couldn't make it because of her class schedule.

On Friday, Machado, 18, died when thebus travelling to the science centre crashed on a logging road and rolled down an embankment near Port Alberni, B.C.

A second student, 18-year-old John Geerdes,also died. Seventeen people were injured in the crash.

Thiessen attended agathering on Tuesday at the university to remember her newfriend.

"I wanted to be a part of the community," Thiessensaid, standing outside theMearns Centre for Learningwhere the gathering was held.

Students and staff react to the bus crash that killed 2 UVic students:

UVic community mourns students killed in bus crash

5 years ago

Duration 0:27

The University of Victoria community mourns two students killed when their bus crashed near Bamfield, B.C. and rolled down an embankment.

'Taken far too soon'

Inside, universityelder May Sam opened the program with a blessing. University leaders thenoffered brief remarksto a crowd of students, faculty and staff.

"This is something beautiful here this afternoon," said Shelagh Rogers, the university's chancellor.

"A lot of you don't know each other. But you've come together to express solidarity and to express your sadness."

University president Jamie Cassels said hisheart ached for the victims.

"Emma and John were taken far too soon and we are so sorry for that loss," said Cassels, noting that Machado's family was on campus that day.

Cassels encouraged the crowd to seek support if needed.

Universitystaffmet with students involved in the crash over the weekend to provide support. The school is offeringcounsellors, chapel services and quiet spaces.

The university's Inferfaith Chapel also hadtwo therapy dogs on site.

"We try to avoid the actual tragedy itself," said Glenn Driscoll, one of the dog's handlers. "The dogs are great for tummy rubs and hugs and so on. We've provided them with a bit of a loving diversion."

As the gathering unfolded, some students outside stopped atthe building's windows to watch.Others rushed to their next class.

Thiessen described the mood on campus as low.

"People are still getting used to it and adjusting," she said. "They're justtrying to comprehend it."