Students gathered at the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority house Monday night to say goodbye to Georgia Southern University student Brooke Edwards, who passed away Friday.

The vigil drew nearly 500 students and faculty members. Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters emerged from the house singing and holding candles.

Several of Edwards’ friends and sorority sisters spoke to the crowd about their memories of her. Chandler Nash, who said Edwards was her best friend, chose to read a letter addressed to Edwards instead of speaking about her.

“We are united in our grief, but we are also united in our identity as students of Georgia Southern University,” said Reverend Tony Pagliarullo, who led the vigil in prayer.