Tears were cried, hugs were embraced and numerous kind words were spoken as family, friends and fellow Lancers gathered together to mourn the loss of AJ Hadsell.
A candlelight vigil was held in the Health and Wellness Center for AJ, who went missing on March 2 during spring break and never returned.
With AJ’s club softball jersey resting against the Longwood podium, multiple people spoke about her, including a few teammates and President Reveley. The emotional service started with Dr. Amanda McKinney from the Counseling Center, reminding students that there is no correct way to grieve and that counseling is available.
AJ was remembered as sweet, caring, kind, “a breath of fresh air” and always having a positive outlook no matter the situation. Jen Ryan, a member of the club softball team, remembered her as an amazing softball player, but above all, being there for anyone who needed her. “Anything anyone ever needed, she was right there. If you needed advice, AJ was a listening ear. If you needed an idea for something, AJ was right there, offering ideas,” Ryan stated.
Later in her speech, Ryan asked the students to appreciate those close to them while they still had the chance. “I would like everyone in honor of AJ, to tell someone you love how much they mean to you. You never know if that could be the last time you see them.”
“AJ was more than just a resident, she was a friend,” said AJ’s resident assistant and Noah Lovelady, who remembers her as being warm-hearted. “I’ll never forget my talks with AJ, whether they be about life, about school or just joking around…I am extremely honored to have known her for the short amount of time I did. She has made one of the biggest impacts on my life here at Longwood and it’s a shame to see her time cut so short.”
After the speakers finished, “When I Get Where I’m Going” played for a moment for silent reflection. When the vigil concluded, members of the softball team embraced AJ’s mother, Jen Hadsell, and gave her AJ’s jersey, signed by the members of the softball team, with the words: “Fly High.”
Sarah Arboleda, another one of AJ’s teammates later commented, “We’re really thankful for the time we got with AJ. It might have been short, but it definitely impacted all of us…She really touched us. She’ll never be forgotten and she’ll always be one of our teammates.”
