Friends inspired by life of Gabby Reuveni

Gabby Reuveni, 20, was known for always taking a bright outlook on any situation and living life to the fullest. As a rising junior on the women’s cross-country team and an active member of Alpha Phi sorority, she was a beloved member of the Washington University community.

That community came together when a pickup truck hit her during a morning jog in Pennsylvania on July 14 and killed her on impact.

Her friends remember her as one of the most positive people they’ve ever known. One of her teammates, recent graduate Liz Phillips, recalled Reuveni’s freshman year, when Reuveni came just short of qualifying for the team’s last spot in the University Athletic Association competition in New York City.

“Instead of being upset or jealous or disappointed, she took it all in stride and said with complete sincerity how happy she was that her teammate was able to compete in that No. 10 spot. Then, when the rest of the team flew out to New York, she flew out at her own expense to cheer for her teammates at conference. She showed up, dressed in bright red and green spandex and maybe even a tutu if I remember correctly and just cheered her heart out for everyone,” Phillips said. “She always put her team before herself.”

Reuveni was an International Area Studies major. She was the valedictorian of her class at Paramus High School in Parasmus, New Jersey—her hometown where her funeral was held on July 17. Local newspapers reported that between 700 and 800 people attended.

“Her genuine love for everyone around her and her passion for life will always inspire me. She was involved in so many things but somehow managed to balance everything so gracefully and still always have time to ask me how I was doing,” teammate and sophomore Lucy Cheadle said. “Gabby has taught me to live life with purpose and passion, and for that I am forever grateful.”