MOSCOW, Idaho — The Vandal community came together Wednesday night to remember the four University of Idaho students murdered in their off-campus home two years ago.
Kaylee Goncalves was a senior who grew up in Rathdrum and was lifelong friend with Maddie Mogen. They graduated from Lake City High together.
Xana Kernodle was 20-years-old and from Post Falls. She was in a relationship with Ethan Chapin, who grew up in Mount Vernon, Washington.
The four friends were found dead in their home on King Road in 2022.
Their deaths have had a lasting impact across the Inland Northwest.
Wednesday’s vigil was hosted by the Associated Students of the University of Idaho in the Vandal Healing Garden, which was unveiled in August.
The idea for the garden sprouted after the University of Idaho murders and honors all students who have passed away while enrolled at U of I.
During the event, many shared their favorite memories of Chapin, Kernodle, Goncalves and Mogen.
“They had a really profound effect on the first couple years here at U of I and I’m just really grateful that so many people remember them and care about them,” said student body president, Martha Smith.
Attendees of the vigil lit candles, wrote cards and offered flowers to honor the four students’ memories.
Student, Alex Gustafson, said the garden was a perfect setting to remember his former classmate, Xana.
“The outdoors is a wonderful, beautiful place, and Xana was always talking about it, always wanted to go on trips, and just truly enjoying nature, and not forgetting to take care of the small moments and take care of our Earth. It’s a beautiful, wonderful place,” he said.
Ethan’s mother also released a statement reading, “Two years have passed… and while that seems like a long time ago…it also feels like yesterday. We continue to heal and miss Ethan as we work diligently to find the silver linings in the worst circumstances.”
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.