ORLANDO, Fla. – A UCF student who was hit by a drunken driver while walking in a grassy area has died.
UCF Knight News confirmed the death on its Twitter account, saying:
"Family and loved ones symbolically place flowers into Reflection Pond. “This is her home and you’ve been her family,” her mother says. #LondonStrong"
More than 100 people gathered for a candlelight vigil to pray for the hit-and-run victim and University of Central Florida senior Friday evening.
London Harrell was struck by an impaired driver who Florida Highway Patrol have identified as 25-year-old Yousuf Hasan. Authorities said Hasan first crashed into a vehicle on Alafaya Trail and continued, later hitting the 21-year-old. She was walking in a grassy area near Napiers Circle when Hasan hit her and never looked back.
Friends, family and sorority sisters gathered around a reflection pond on the campus of UCF to shed tears and share hugs.
Harrell’s best friend Rebecca Kirsch held back tears as she spoke to the crowd.
“London Harrell is the most stubborn, OCD, sarcastic, pizza-hating, big haired, waffle psycho, and I have missed her every day this week,” Kirsch said.
Harrell’s parents left their daughter’s bedside to attend the vigil and to pray for her recovery.
“She believes and always has been one of the most positive adventurous ladies you have ever met in your life,” Harrell’s mother Paula Cobb said.
A sea of candles flickered as Harrell’s childhood pastor asked for help from above and her boyfriend Jon Gardner addressed the crowd.
“Many of you know (her) as a sister, friend or fellow student. I am honored to know London as my girlfriend,” Gardner said.
Harrell’s mother took to Facebook, posting that God called London home and she is no longer in pain.
Harrell's father told News 6 that her life support was removed Friday afternoon.