ACU President Phil Schubert called on the ACU and Abilene communities to come together in prayer during a press conference Saturday afternoon following a fatal car crash Friday evening involving six ACU students.
Schubert said part of the healing process is being able to have conversations and fellowship.
“Obviously, everybody’s overwhelmed. You never expect to have a tragedy like this and we’ve had too many here over the last year and a half,” Schubert said. “I think part of the healing process is being able to come together as a community and share the feelings that we have. I’m proud of our students and the way that they do that.”
Schubert compared Friday’s accident to the bus crash of November 2011 that claimed the life of Anabel Reid. He said the healing process will take time.
“I think the thing that we certainly realize from the horrible accident over a year ago is that it’s a long process. It goes well beyond the accident,” he said. “We’re still dealing with impacts from that accident today and my guess it that we will continue to deal with different varying degrees of impact from that unfortunate circumstance.”
Schubert said he appreciates the response the university has received so far.
“Already the outpouring of love and support and prayers is deeply felt,” Schubert said. “None of us will ever understand why accidents like this have to happen. That’s not the journey we’re on. The journey we’re on is to understand how God works in difficult circumstances.”
ACU Police responded to the crash shortly after it occurred. Jimmy Ellison, ACU police chief, said their first priority was to give comfort and support to students at Hendrick Medical Center, where the five injured students were taken, and to communicate with families. He said Spiritual Life and counseling personnel were sent to the hospital to help students affected.
“It’s not just a crash involving students. The university takes immediate steps to make sure they’re doing everything possible for the students and their families,” Ellison said.
University Church of Christ conducted a special devotional service at 9 p.m. Sunday. Additionally, Schubert presided over a memorial Chapel service in Moody Coliseum, Monday at 11 a.m.
