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Penn State AXO Killed In Tragic Accident On The Way Home From Philanthropy Event

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This is one of those incidents where all you can ask is “why?” Why did something like this happen to someone who was doing something good? Why was she taken so soon? How could this happen? There is no right answer. Life is short. Accidents happen. Bad things happen to good people, and there’s absolutely nothing anyone can do to change the outcome.

Penn State Alpha Chi Omega and Tau Kappa Epsilon students were returning home from a philanthropy trip when their car overturned on the Pennsylvania Turnpike near the Valley Forge interchange. One female, who has now been identified as sophomore graphic design major and AXO member Vitalya “Tally” Sepot, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead when police arrived on the scene. The six other students in the vehicle were taken to the nearest hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. The other six students in the accident were Victoria Barrett, Sarah Bixby, Claire Fountas, Matthew Hrynkow, Brooke Kalodner, and Max Titlebaum.

2016 THON Executive Director Katie Mailey released a statement concerning the accident:

“We are terribly saddened by this accident and our hearts are with the friends and family of Tally as well as other students who were involved in the accident. The loss of one of our volunteers and the injury of others is a tragedy and we know this will be felt throughout our community. No words can express our sorrow when learning of this accident and of Tally’s passing. We will do all that we can to honor her memory and dedication to THON. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of individuals directly involved. This is a difficult time for many.”

Penn State’s Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council also released statements, which can be read here. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of those affected by this senseless tragedy.

Hug your sisters a little tighter today. You never know when it’ll be the last time.

Update 9/26/15 8:37 PM:
Alumnae of the Beta Mu chapter of Alpha Chi Omega created a GoFundMe to raise money for the family of Tally Sepot. To donate, click here.

[via Onward State]

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Cristina Montemayor

Cristina is a Grandex Writer and Content Manager. She was an intern for over two years before she graduated a semester early to write about college full time, which makes absolutely no sense. She regretfully considers herself a Carrie, but is first and foremost a Rory. She tends to draw strong reactions from people. They are occasionally positive. You can find her in a bar as you're bending down to tie your shoes, drinking Dos XX and drunk crying to Elton John. Email her: [email protected] (not .com).

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