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Memorial Service Held For Campbell Students Killed In Car Crash

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BUIES CREEK, N.C. — The fall semester started on a somber note at Campbell University as students and family members gathered to grieve the deaths of three young women.

Four months ago, freshman Brooke Hudgens, junior Rebekah Heldreth and junior Jessica Kalinowski were headed to Alabama to visit Hudgens' family. Their car slid on a rainy interstate in Georgia, killing all three.

Some students did not learn about the deaths until classes began two weeks ago. The memorial service brought the student together to comfort each other and celebrate three lives that were cut short.

"For Jessica, her smile, walking in the door, talking on the cell phone with her mom each day. For Rebekah, her coming in and being bouncy and Brooke coming in being a lifeguard and seeing her swimsuit," student Kendell McPherson said.

"It's the worst thing I could ever imagine happening -- just three girls going down to the beach just to get away," student Kelly Smith said.

Police say the car the three girls were riding in hydroplaned and hit another vehicle. No one else in the other car was seriously hurt.

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