Boston University is planning to hold a candlelight vigil for three students studying in New Zealand including one from Manalapan who were killed when their minivan crashed during a weekend trip.

Daniela Lekhno
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At least five other students from the university were injured in the accident early Saturday, including one who was in critical condition.

Boston University spokesman Colin Riley released the ages and hometowns of those killed. He says 20-year-old Daniela Lekhno was from Manalapan, 21-year-old Austin Brashears is from Huntington Beach, Calif. and the parents of 21-year-old Roch Jauberty live in Paris.

Lekhno grew up in

Lekhno was a a junior in the School of Management, grew up in the Seagate section of Brooklyn before moving to Manalapan according to the NY Daily News.

 

 

 

Lekhno recently joined Twitter likely with the intent of keeping up with friends during her trip. Her most recent Twitter posting, from January, at the beginning of the study abroad program, showed excitement about the program.

“New Year New Adventure New Zealand,” it read. “But already missing some old friends … #hategoodbyes.”

Police say the students were traveling in a minivan near the North Island vacation town of Taupo when the vehicle drifted to the side of the road and then rolled when the driver tried to correct course.

“This is a horrible tragedy,” Boston University President Robert Brown said in a statement on the University website. “Our prayers go out to the students and their families. We will do all we can to provide comfort and assistance to those who have been injured, and to the families and friends of the victims. The university is mobilizing all of our resources to help our students and families deal with this tragedy.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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