A candlelight vigil was held Nov. 12 for freshman Carmesha Womack, 20, after she died a week earlier due to a head-on collision in North Little Rock.
UCA New Hall staff and the housing department hosted the vigil in the courtyard area between New and Farris halls at 6 p.m.
According to the North Little Rock police, Womack was driving westbound in the 13300 block of Valentine Road shortly after 8:30 p.m. Nov. when Nena Meyers, who was driving the other vehicle, swerved into Womack’s lane and hit her vehicle head-on. Along with Womack and Meyers, Kenjuan Martin, 22, also died in the accident. He was a passenger in Womack’s vehicle.
The other passenger with Womack was Katelyn Gooden, who was taken to the local hospital with non life-threatening injuries, according to NLR police.
Tables were set up at the vigil for UCA students to write a farewell letter to Womack and also cards of support to her family.
A quoted scripture from 2 Corinthians was used to begin the vigil.
The scripture read: “My grace is sufficient. My strength is made perfect in my weakness. His strength will make you perfect. Always love, always. Tomorrow is not a promise.”
A collegiate choir sang “We’re Gunna Make It” as a tribute to Womack. Many of the students were in tears and comforting each other throughout the song.
President Tom Courtway said this semester has been very catastrophic with the deaths of two UCA students.
“I am so proud of our UCA students for being here, supporting and giving tribute to Carmesha on this cold night,” Courtway said. “This has been the coldest night we have had in a while and seeing our students here loving on each other, makes me one proud president.”
Courtway said people never know what can happen and said to live and love like there is not another day ahead.
