Freshman Emily Benatar passes away after battle with meningococcal disease
Matt Mitgang | Student LifeStudent mourn the loss of Emily Benatar, a freshman who passed away Wednesday morning, at a midnight vigil outside Dardick Hall.
Emily Benatar, a freshman and member of Alpha Phi sorority, passed away in Barnes Hospital Wednesday morning, officials at the University have confirmed.
Benatar, who came to Washington University from Palo Alto, Calif., died from complications arising from meningococcal disease with her parents by her side.
She had been diagnosed with the disease, which is a bacterial infection known for causing meningitis and other complications, three weeks ago.
Wednesday night, students held a midnight vigil in memory of her on the Dardick green, outside of the dorm she lived in until mid-April.
She was vaccinated. Really? What a completely insensitive and unkind comment.
Why wasn’t she vaccinated?
I didn’t know she existed until she got sick, and at the time, it didn’t seem conceivable to me that someone as young as she was could die. That she did is a tragedy, and my thoughts are with everyone who cared about her.
The Benatar’s are my neighbors in Palo Alto, wonderful family. Dearest Emily, you will be missed.
@LinaArseneault