Bill Leslie

Bill Leslie's Carolina Conversations

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Carolina Tears

Posted: Mar 7, 2008

Our hearts ache. We have cried a collective river of Carolina tears over the last day. The senseless murder of the UNC Student Body President Eve Carson leaves us all asking the question: Why should someone so warm, gregarious, intelligent, caring and involved have her life snuffed out at such a young and vibrant age?

I watched Thursday night's candlelight tribute to Eve with my daughter Lauren. I told Lauren about the powerful Carolina bond. It has been many years since I graduated from UNC but last night I felt like a student again experiencing the pain of a terrible loss but also the comfort and pride of a wonderful academic community. The music also took me back to my college days. The UNC Clef Hangers hit a powerful emotional chord with their haunting renditions of classics by James Taylor and Simon & Garfunkel.

During a particularly poignant moment during last night's broadcast WRAL's Debra Morgan's voice cracked with emotion. It reminded me of the time when I had to report the death of another member of the UNC community. Like Eve, Tom Brothers was a Morehead Scholar. We were best of friends growing up in Morganton. Several years after graduating from UNC Tom died in a mountain climbing accident in Idaho. Reporting Tom’s death was the toughest moment in my broadcasting career. I also remember my voice cracking on the air when I had to announce the death of UNC alum and my journalistic hero Charles Kuralt.

My heart goes out to Eve’s family. I know the Carolina community is thinking of them and praying for them. Somehow we will get through this tragic loss together.

If you would like to leave a message for the Carsons here on the Carolina Conversations blog and I will make sure it gets to the family.

Copyright 2008 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Charles Kuralt & the Magic Elevator Posted: Nov. 19, 2009

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I think her life should be an inspiration to others. She was attractive, talented, and a hard worker.

Others should look to her and say to themselves, "I can be just as successful as Eve if I work hard enough, get involved, and strive to meet my goals".

Success is what I think of when I hear the name Eve Carson.

rogerkneebend
March 7, 2008 9:28 a.m.

God must have needed another angel to take their place with Him. Our hearts and prayers go out to not only her immediate family but all those whose lives Eve touched through just being who she was. I did not know Eve, but as someone else said, this is something that touches all of us. God Bless you and Keep you.

teachnow
GOLO member since February 12, 2008
March 7, 2008 9:30 a.m.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Carson family. Such a cruel act of crime. You will be in our prayers

kimcullom
GOLO member since March 7, 2008
March 7, 2008 9:31 a.m.

28 years ago, on Feb.3, 1980, Keith Hodge, a UNC Senior who was going to be a history teacher, was shot and killed in front of the old Post Office on Franklin Street. His killer was caught immediately, as an officer was right there.

It was late Saturday nite--alcohol, snowballs and young foolishness were part of the situation. A fully loaded handgun under the seat of a truck carrying two couples from another county in town partying added a fatal ingredient to the mix, and a young life was taken.

Keith was one of my best friends--a mountain boy from Waynesville who loved life and lived it full-tilt, but who also loved William Powell and NC history and was going to teach the next generations.

It punched a hole in Blue Heaven--we think of college as a snowglobe, but, we find it is a living part of the real world. My heart aches again, as memories flood back, and I realize my children are Eve's age, and I cry for Eve, and Keith, and all who suffer from senseless tragic acts.

kmason910
GOLO member since July 10, 2007
March 7, 2008 9:34 a.m.

My sincere condolences and prayers go out to Eve's family, friends, and the UNC community. As the others have said, we are all one in grief and so very sad that this special young lady lost her life way too early!

Snoopy Gal
March 7, 2008 9:41 a.m.

THe rain is falling as are our tears. I pray God blesses and comforts Eve's family. So very sad.

foreverblue
GOLO member since November 16, 2007
March 7, 2008 9:51 a.m.

MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THIS YOUNG GIFTED YOUNG LADY. I PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO GO THROUGH SUCH A HARD TIME. BUT HOLD ON TO GOD'S HAND, BECAUSE HE SAY THAT I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. IT IS SO SAD WHEN WE TRY TO SEND OUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL TO GET A BETTER EDUCATION AND THE ENEMIES IS OUT THERE ATTACKING THEM.SO LET'S CONTINUE TO LIFT ALL OUR CHILDREN UP IN PRAY, BECAUSE DON'T HAVE A RESPECTIBLE ONE.

aknight
March 7, 2008 9:56 a.m.

Carolina Tears is so accurate. I graduated from UNC in December 1992. Watching the candlelight tribute did bring saddness into my soul for the family, friends and Carolina Community of Eve Carson. My prayers and heart go out to them all; she was such a beautiful, warm spirit. She will live in the hearts and minds of all she touched. God Bless.

tferrell1
March 7, 2008 10:11 a.m.

My heartfelt sympathies with the Carson family, the UNC family and all of Chapel Hill. I had the privilege of attending UNC, as did my mother, but I stuck around, lived in Chapel Hill and worked for the University for nearly 13 years. This is a senseless loss and I only hope the memories of a fine, accomplished young lady will help overcome the taking of her life.

We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future...God bless you all from the Newell and Perkins families.

lovetheheels
March 7, 2008 10:21 a.m.

This tragic loss reminds us all of what an evil world we live in. I send my deepest sympathy to Eve's family and want you to know that my wife and I have you in our prayers. Rick & Chris Henry

rehenry
GOLO member since May 6, 2008
March 7, 2008 10:30 a.m.

My prayers and condolences to Eve's family and friends. My own beautiful, talented, and generous daughter has been accepted into the UNC family for next fall, and I will be proud for her to be part of such a caring community. Hugs to all of you.

Reader
GOLO member since November 29, 2007
March 7, 2008 10:40 a.m.

May the works I've done speak for me, May the service I give speak for, becuase when I am resting in my grave, their will be nothing left to say, So may the works I've done speak for me. Eve your works and service have spoken loudly for you. So, fly away sweet angel, and find rest on that peaceful shore! God Bless the Family.

ladywings
GOLO member since March 6, 2008
March 7, 2008 10:48 a.m.

I have also been accepted to UNC. Watching this story brought me to tears. I know why it is that I want to attend UNC. Not only for their strong academic backgrounds but because it is a true family. Everytime I go there, I feel so welcomed. My prayers are with Eve's family.

carolinadiva09
GOLO member since March 7, 2008
March 7, 2008 10:51 a.m.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Carson family and all that knew Eve. People from all over are mourning this young ladies tragic death.

mythoughts22
GOLO member since July 20, 2007
March 7, 2008 10:52 a.m.

My heart and prayers go out to the Ms. Carson's family and the UNC family as well. Although this is such a tragic event- it always warms my heart to see university rivals lower their gaurds and come together. As an NC State family- we also feel a bond to this amazing Carolina Girl. A sad day in North Carolina history.....

MaplesMom
GOLO member since October 25, 2007
March 7, 2008 10:59 a.m.

The loss of someone so young and full of life can never be understood. I hope the prayers and encouragement of friends family and strangers help the family of this wonderful young lady. May you find peace and comfort in the coming weeks. You all are in my prayers!

cornfused
March 7, 2008 11:02 a.m.

The Wolfpack nation joins in your mourning. May God give you all grace and comfort, especially the family and friends of this bright young woman.

Mr. French
March 7, 2008 11:07 a.m.

What can be said, What a tragic loss for the world that such a special angel had her life taken in such a way. To Eve's family and friends, I can only imagine the grief and loss that you all must feel, but know that some of us out here are really feeling it with you. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you through this shocking, difficult time. And if its any condolence to you I'm sure your special Angel is among the Angel's watching over us all now. I'm Truly Sorry For Your Loss.

egoodman1
March 7, 2008 11:12 a.m.

This is so sad...my heart goes out to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you! May God's grace strengthen you during this difficult time.

pirategirlarrrgh
GOLO member since August 29, 2007
March 7, 2008 11:25 a.m.

I held my daughter close last night as we both cried over the senseless death of such a beautiful,intellegent young lady. There are no words that will comfort, no words that will make it easier. Just know that you have the prayers of county, of a city, of a state, of a nation.

JMS
March 7, 2008 11:36 a.m.

"To live in hearts we leave behind, Is not to die." ~Thomas Campbell

So many people all over the country have been deeply impacted by her story and I have faith her spirit of kindness lives on through all the people her life has touched. I pray God's peace is with her family and friends. -T

tlv519
GOLO member since March 7, 2008
March 7, 2008 11:42 a.m.

Such a senseless tragedy - my thoughts and prayers are with the Carson family and the Carolina family too. This world has been diminished by the loss of such a promising life.

Riverracer8
GOLO member since February 4, 2008
March 7, 2008 12:08 p.m.

To the family, My heartfelt condolences. In time, try to dwell on the good times you had with her, no one can take that away from you. Celebrate her life!

jakiret99
GOLO member since November 1, 2007
March 7, 2008 12:16 p.m.

My daughter will be attending her first year at unc this fall...It's hard enough to let them go anyway...But to hear news like this I just want to say "you can't go". I have been with her to visit there, but even those visits did not show me how much of a family Tar Heels really are until wral has showed how everybody comes together when is neccessary. My daughter is proud to become a Tar Heel and I will be her proud mom...God Bless the Carson family & unc family....

littlebitr
March 7, 2008 12:27 p.m.

My prayers and sympathy to the Eve's family and to all the UNC family.

wolfpack_girl1976
GOLO member since July 27, 2007
March 7, 2008 12:28 p.m.

My husband attended UNC years ago but I saw the Carolina Family feeling as he watched the tribute on Thursday night. Our prayers are with Eve's family and friends, she seems to have been an exceptional person.

Deep Thought
GOLO member since July 6, 2007
March 7, 2008 12:51 p.m.

What a terrible loss for all of us. Prayers for the family.

garden
GOLO member since July 27, 2007
March 7, 2008 12:51 p.m.

To Eve's family and friends: Be blessed to have known her. Evidently, God chose her to be an angel on the earth the years she spent here, guiding her to do things for others. God must have really needed her presence in Heaven, for that is the place for her now.

anggiet
GOLO member since August 13, 2007
March 7, 2008 12:55 p.m.

May God richly bless and keep the family of this wonderful young lady. The "Carolina Family" mourns with her family, and while we are all shedding tears and missing her (even the ones who never met her), she is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus and celebrating with the angels.

derekjames2001
March 7, 2008 1:04 p.m.

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know everyone I work with and myself send our hearts out to you and your family. Her being taken away by such a violent act was senseless and I hope you can someday find the justice you all deserve, though I'm sure it will never be forgotten. I'm sorry again-our prayers are with you and her extended families...

teddybear199
GOLO member since February 10, 2008
March 7, 2008 1:12 p.m.

My heart goes out to the family of Eve Carson. She was certainly an outstanding young woman full of promise. Although her life was short, she accomplished a lot and will be missed by many. I never had the privilege of meeting her, but I cried when they held the vigil on TV yesterday. It was obvious what a great impact she had on so many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

WilderRidge
GOLO member since September 26, 2007
March 7, 2008 1:39 p.m.

Just wanted to let people know that if you are interested in learning more about Eve, there are an abundance of stories, commments, editorials, and pictures of her on the university paper's web site.

www.dailytarheel.com

allison842
GOLO member since September 20, 2007
March 7, 2008 1:42 p.m.

I would like to offer my prayers and thoughts to Eve's family. May God comfort and be with you during this time.

lukie
GOLO member since October 25, 2007
March 7, 2008 2:26 p.m.

I work at UNC and didn't know Eve but have read countless articles about her in the Daily Tar Heel. Her death is so tragic...all of us want to offer our sincere sympathy. May the good Lord give you strength to get through this tragedy.

washed ashore
March 7, 2008 4:07 p.m.

I hope and pray you will be able to find comfort from some source. What a shame and a loss of a beautiful young lady inside and out. The world needs more individuals just like her, you as parents can only be proud of what she was.

calleesganma
March 7, 2008 4:23 p.m.

I worked at UNC for several years and still feel like part of the Carolina family. I can't believe that this could happen. My prayers and thoughts are with Eve's family and friends.

sullivanpa
March 7, 2008 4:42 p.m.

I have never met Eve, but i'd like to think i bleed Carolina Blue...I'm 25 years old and sometimes look at my friends who have careers and they are successful, and wonder what I would have done had i decided to have children later on in life then i did. Last night i cryed watching her vigal, i thought to myself "how selfish of me to gripe! my family watched me get married, my mother shared with me the birth of my two children, i have a husband, and i'm all on my own and Eve had barely gotten roots planted in her college career." Even in her death she still taught one more person one more thing. To be thankful, and know that the gifts in your life are Blessings!!

tarheelblue919
GOLO member since February 20, 2008
March 7, 2008 4:52 p.m.

The world has lost a shining star. Eve was destined to do great things and accomplished so much in her short life. God must have needed a very special angel in heaven to keep our skies Carolina blue. She will not let Him down. My prayers are with Eve's family and friends. Celebrate her life and allow her memory to live on forever in your hearts.

Legswilson
GOLO member since July 12, 2007
March 7, 2008 5:50 p.m.

As a UNC grad and Chapel Hill resident this literally hits close to home. As I read more about Eve, my heart grows heavier and heavier. She obviously was a remarkable person and we have lost a light. I only hope that we as a community will be inspired by her light to give more and do more.

rika1
March 7, 2008 5:58 p.m.

To see this unfold, to see her face, to be shown just a part of what she did in her short life, touched my soul. My prayers go to her family,friends and everyone in this state, because you see - we are all part of this! I think everyone that has seen things unfold the past several days would tell you the same. We,as North Carolinians, all mourn this Georgia peach - she wasnt born here but she was a "Carolina Girl". To her parents, may God's love and peace go with you in the days and weeks ahead. Know that the entire state is keeping you in their prayers. Eve - "Carolina girl - BEST in the world!" :)

fishnett5977
March 10, 2008 8:29 a.m.

Where do you begin to express sympathy in a time like this? Words cannot take away the hurt and pain the Carson family is feeling. To them, May God be with you and help heal your heart!! I just wanted to share something...my daddy passed away in '01..I believe that he is truly the most sincere Tarheel fan..he was buried in a Carolina casket, has a Carolina headstone, and we had Carolina car flags on the hearse..Also, he tried to name me Carolina but my mother wouldn't allow it! I KNOW for a fact that he is in the Carolina Blue Heaven and has made friends with all of the other Tarheel fans there...And I also know that once he meets Eve...he will take of her like she was his own!

hucknscoot
March 10, 2008 10:46 a.m.

1 Corinthians 13:13- And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

It is so easy to get discouraged as violence in this world heightens. But we must not lose hope - hope that love will prevail! Without hope, we have nothing.

caitlinclinard
March 10, 2008 11:20 a.m.

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