St Catherine’s student dies after
traffic accident on Cowley Road Emilie Harris, a twenty-year-old student at St
Catherine’s College, has been killed after being knocked
down by a bus on Cowley Road on Wednesday. She was a first year
studying Human Sciences. A friend described Emilie as “a bubbly person with so
much to give. The College, the University and the world had been
robbed of an amazing person.” Another said, “Of all the
people I’ve ever met, she never had a bad word to say about
anyone. It’s so very wrong that she should be taken
away.” St Catz has been in mourning for Emilie’s death. Candles
were lit in the main quad and wreaths of flowers have been placed
at the site of the accident and in Magdalen College chapel. One student said, “We’re all in shock. We sat in
hall silently when the news was announced, the College is just
stunned. She was so integral to this College, everyone knew her
and loved her, its just such a waste.” The College has called all students to attend a meeting on
Friday morning. JCR President Matthew Bambrough emailed students
to notify them about the news and let them know about the avenues
of support available. He asked students not to hesitate in
contacting him no matter how “trivial you think your worry
or grief might be.” He said, “Emilie was a beautiful
individual in every sense of the word, who brought happiness and
laughter to the lives of all she touched. She lived her life to
the full and her kindness and compassion towards others is
something that shall never be forgotten.” The Master of St Catz, Roger Ainsworth, said, “I was very
shocked and terribly saddened by this awful news of the waste of
such a productive young life. Emilie was well known to me as a
very lively, dynamic, engaging and personable student, always
ready to engage in a discussion at a moment’s notice. She
was very able academically, and the whole College sends its
heartfelt sympathy to her family at such a terrible loss. From
the student perspective she was seen as the warmest of people,
very popular with her peers and full of fun. She was known and
loved by all.” Emilie was cycling when she moved out into the road and was
hit by the bus outside The Elm Tree pub at 3.28 pm. Ambulances
and police immediately arrived on the scene but were unable to
revive her. She was pronounced dead at the John Radcliffe
Hospital just after 4pm. Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident. Inspector
Steve Bridges said, “It’s not entirely clear the exact
circumstances that caused this to happen.” It is hoped that
analysis of CCTV footage from cameras on the bus will provide
more information. Emilie was from Shawford, near Winchester, in Hampshire. An
inquest will be opened into her death next week by the
Oxfordshire Coroner. Witnesses are asked to contact Thames Valley Police by
telephone on 0845 8505505.ARCHIVE: 4th week TT 2004
‘Such a Terrible Waste’
