The Maine Maritime Academy community is mourning the loss of four cadets who were killed in an off-campus car accident early Saturday morning.
Three others were injured, including the driver, in the single car wreck in Castine, Maine, just after 2 a.m. Saturday morning.
A total of seven Maine Maritime cadets were reportedly traveling in an SUV when it veered off the road and struck a tree before bursting into flames.
Friday was the last day of classes for the fall semester ahead of finals week this week.
“Our community is grieving for these young lives and for their families,” Maine Maritime Academy President Jerry S Paul said in statement issued Saturday. “While we have lost beloved members of our student body, tonight there are four families who have lost their children. I ask for continued respect and privacy of our Maine Maritime family. Please hold these young people close to your hearts and in your prayers. We will of course continue to work with the authorities in the coming days and continue to offer counselling support to our students, faculty and staff.”
A vigil was held Sunday night for the victims.
Located in Castine, Maine Maritime Academy is one of six State Maritime Academies that prepares students for careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. It has about 950 students and repeatedly ranks as one of the top public schools in the country.
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