Students shed tears and held one anotheras they remembered Timbrina Thomas, a “Marching 100” member who died in a car accident yesterday.
Her fellow band mates, members of student government and others from the Florida A&M community participated in a vigil held in the band rehearsal hall in Foster Tanner.
According to a statement released by university officials, the accident occurred on the Florida Turnpike and there were two other passengers who suffered major and minor injuries. Thomas was a junior psychology student from Miami Gardens, Fla., and played the saxophone in the band.
Michael Jefferson, a senior environmental sciences student from Indianapolis and student body president, said that although her death is saddening, her spirit will continue to live.
I didnt know her personally, but its always difficult to lose a family member, said Jefferson. We are one large family.
Zachary Nealy, a senior music education student from Atlanta, marched in the band with Thomas. He spoke about her charisma and talent. During her freshman year, she was a part of the wind ensemblea major achievement according to Nealy.
She was an excellent band member, said Nealy. She will be dearly missed.
Jevon-Lamar Evans marched in the band for five years and heard about the incident at around 10 p.m. last night. He said she was a walking ball of energy and that she was always smiling, singing or whistling a tune. For him, her death came much too soon.
It feels like we just did this, said Evans, a senior graphic communication and photography student from Tampa, Fla. We just lost Rob [Robert Champion] and then to come like a little over a year later and lose Tim [Timbrina] is rough.
Robert Champion, a “Marching 100” drum major, died November 2011 at the Orlando classic as a result of hazing.
Evans said arrangements are being made for some members to play at her memorial. However, he hopes the university allows them to use the name FAMU”Marching 100″ because this was an organization she loved.