Ellington

The bright flames of candles lit up the dark night as students, family members and alumni gathered to remember and celebrate the life of Brittany “Holle” Hollenbach, who died two days ago after being struck by a car.

The candles lit up the crowd of between 500 and 700 people that gathered in front of the Delta Delta Delta sorority last night to grieve.

“As I look out, I see eyes wet with tears and hearts heavy with sadness,” said father Jordan Bradshaw, director of the Newman Center, a Catholic church located behind the sorority.

Teary-eyed students shared silent hugs under the spotlight as, one by one, people came to the front of the crowd to share their memories of Hollenbach.

Friends said they admired her loyalty and friendship.

Rick McPherson, a lecturer in the Foster School of Business who took Hollenbach and a group of 23 other students to Johannesburg, South Africa, said he would remember Hollenbach for her leadership.

Many said they would remember Hollenbach for her quirky stories, spontaneity and inviting laugh.

“The Greek system has really pulled together and supported one another in the face of this tragedy,” said Jennifer Blume, president of the sorority’s Seattle Alumnae chapter, who helped organize last night’s candlelight vigil.

Flowers sat on Hollenbach’s memorial. Cooks from other houses in the Greek community made food for the girls in Delta Delta Delta. Cards and remembrances filled the house as news of Hollenbach’s death spread.

Many of Hollenbach’s family members were present for the ceremony; her cousins as well as aunt and uncle offered their memories of her.

On Tuesday night at about midnight, Hollenbach was fatally injured in a traffic accident at the intersection of 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 50th Street.

After being rushed to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, Hollenbach was eventually taken off of life support.

“We are all shocked by this terrible tragedy and loss,” the national office of Delta Delta Delta said in an official statement released yesterday. “Brittany’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers, and we’re doing the best we can to support each other through this very difficult time.”

As the candles burned down, a slide show was played that included pictures from Hollenbach’s childhood on through college.

“I was with the chapter Wednesday night as [her sisters] gathered for the first time since the accident,” said Christi Flinn, a Delta Delta Delta alumna, who came out from Edmonds for the vigil. “It became apparent that Holle had touched each and every one of the girls [in the house].”

As the sorority begins the mourning process, Blume said Delta Delta Delta’s alumnae are coordinating grief counseling, as well as other needed resources, for the girls to fall back on.

“Physically, you have left us,” Hollenbach’s family wrote in a statement of commemoration, which was handed out with the candles. “But the joy you have brought to our lives will remain in our hearts forever.”

Reach reporter Brian Byrnes at news@dailyuw.com.