Funeral set for Delaware student killed in train derailment

Funeral arrangements have been set for 19 year old Rose Louese Mayr, a University of Delaware nursing student who was killed in a train accident on August 21st. 

Funeral services will be held this weekend on Saturday, Aug. 25, in Ellicott City, Md.  Rose Mayr, a junior at UD, and Elizabeth Nass were killed when they were buried by spilled coal as they sat along a rail bridge, apparently enjoying a final get-together before resuming their college educations. 19 year old Nass attended James Madison University in Virginia.

On Wednesday, NTSB investigator Jim Southworth said that 18 of the derailed cars have been removed, and cleanup may take another couple of days. Southworth would not speculate on the cause of the derailment. The engineer-in-training was at the controls of the freight train, which was moving at about 25 miles per hour as authorized.

“We are very saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of one of our community members,” said Dawn Thompson, dean of students and associate vice president for student life. “The University of Delaware community extends its condolences to Ms. Mayr’s family and friends.”

Viewings will be held from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 24, at Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, Md.  The Saturday (August 25th) funeral service is scheduled to take place at the Bethany United Methodist Church located at 2875 Bethany Lane in Ellicott City, Md.  Service will begin at 11a.m. 

The Center for Counseling and Student Development encourages students to call 302-831-2141 for any needed support and assistance during this time. People can even make an appointment with the Dean of Students office to by calling 302-831-8939.