Now 'tho we say goodbye
Tarry a moment longer
Let each day fleeting by
Bind us in friendship stronger

Though our paths lead over the land and sea
Alpha Gam will live in our memory
Then till we meet again
Remember Alpha Gam.

I first heard about the tragedy this morning and I didn't get confirmation until now that three of the lost were my own sisters. Though I have never met Christine, Erin, and Andrea, I still feel as if something's empty. They're my sisters, and I know that God is taking care of them now in Chapter Grand.

As Maria posted earlier, please hug your brothers and sisters today and let them know how much you care.

this is horrible news.....thoughts and prayers go out to these sister's families, friends, and chapter sisters. i am deeply saddened by this...........

More from the O.U. Post -- Tuesday, 4/15 Edition:

Alpha Gamma Delta mourns the death of three

by Michelle Simakis
Staff Writer
michelle.simakis@ohiou.edu


Locking arms and wearing sunglasses to hide tears, members of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority openly mourned yesterday, gathering on College Green to listen to the announcement that three of their sorority sisters died in a fire near the Ohio State University campus early Sunday morning.

Ohio University officials announced the names of the three OU women killed by the fire during a news conference outside of Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Later, Franklin County Coroner Bradley J. Lewis confirmed that OU students Erin M. DeMarco, 19, of suburban Canton; Andrea K. Dennis, 20, of Madeira; and Christine M. Wilson, 19, of Dublin were three of the five killed in the fire.

The women were OU sophomores. DeMarco was a marketing major; Dennis was a journalism major focusing on advertising management; and Wilson was a retail merchandising major.

Lewis said he has not yet confirmed the identities of the two others in the fire because he is waiting on dental records. But the Associated Press identified them as OSU students Alan Schlessman, 21, of Perkins Township near Sandusky; and Kyle Raulin, 20, of West Chester near Cincinnati.

The fire started at 4:05 a.m. Sunday near the front door of a house on 64 E. 17th Ave. in Columbus, said Chief Mike Fultz of the Columbus Fire Battalion.

Police still have not received confirmation from the fire department regarding the cause of the fire or the possibility of arson, said Sherry Mercurio, public information officer for the Columbus Police Department. The cause of the fire should be verified within the next few days.

The university will help organize a memorial service at an appropriate time to commemorate the deaths of the three women, Dean of Students Terry Hogan said.

“We are offering counseling to students,” Hogan said. “It has had a tremendous impact on the campus, but nothing like the impact it has on the families.”

Members of Alpha Gamma Delta had celebrated Founders Day on Saturday, said Susan Chiki, the sorority’s alumnae adviser who spoke at the conference.

“We were all together Saturday celebrating as a chapter,” Chiki said. “It was a joyous day.”

After the celebration ended, several sorority members evidently drove to Columbus to attend a 21st birthday party, Chiki said.

OU students Jullian Gardner and Jennifer Lehren, also members of Alpha Gamma Delta, were treated at Ohio State University Medical Center after the fire and were released Sunday, Chiki said.

* * * * * *

There is more information, and dramatic pictures in the Ohio State Lantern: www.thelantern.com

* * * * * *

Words fail to describe the sadness and pain caused by a tragedy such as this one -- especially with victims so young.

I am confident that my Brother Beta Chapter Delts who live next door to the Alpha Gams, as well as the rest of the Ohio University Greek community will do whatever they can to help in this terrible time.

May God rest their young souls and, in time, bring some peace and solace to their families, friends and sisters.

DeltAlum

I just read another report which says that two of the three students rescued from the building were also Alpha Gams from O.U.

Thank God for that and for the efforts of the Columbus Firefighters who rescued them.

My heart aches for our Zeta chapter, their loved ones and the OU Greek community :( ... my thoughts and prayers are with them, as are those of AGDs & Greeks all across the continent. May they all be in a better place in Chapter Grand.

liEP,
Jen

News release from Alpha Gamma Delta Zeta Chapter
ATHENS, Ohio -- In addition to the statement released by the university, the women of the Zeta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta would like to share our fondest memories of our three cherished sisters.

Erin Demarco was one of the most energetic members of our chapter. Her natural humor lifted everyone's spirits around her. She was a good student who was willing to give the time to help others to excel as she did in her studies. Her sociable personality kept her active in both sorority and campus activities.

Christine Wilson always had a cheery disposition and a smile on her face. Her exuberance was contagious and was sure to brighten up anyone's day. She was voted "best dressed" of her pledge class and she enjoyed keeping up with the latest styles. Her sincere ability to empathize with others was apparent in her everyday interactions and will be truly missed.

Andrea Dennis "Denny" was one of the most active and charismatic members of our house. Despite her petite stature she had a giant heart and quick wit. Her unconditional love radiated continuously as she was always willing to lend an ear and share advice. She was a leader and member of the recruitment team and was looking forward to our upcoming recruitment. Always enthusiastic she kept the well being of the chapter and its members close to her heart.

While each unique sister will be deeply missed we will always keep their memories and spirits alive in our hearts. The families and friends of the three women sincerely appreciate the loving support of the Ohio University community. All of our thoughts and prayers are with their families.

Our members will not be speaking directly with the media and ask that media inquiries be directed to our Alumnae Adviser Sue Chiki at (740) 591-2940, Ohio University's Leesa Brown at (740) 707-2895 or the Executive Director of Alpha Gamma Delta Katherine Kish at (317) 872-2655.

Boy, this strikes so close to home having grown up in Columbus and frequented the OSU Campus scene, and then graduated from Ohio University.

Very Sad.

There are pictures of the deceased women and men in today's Ohio State Lantern online. All great looking people.

I think the URL is www.thelantern.com.

DAMN!!!

I just read another article and the fire has been ruled arson.

My heart goes out to AGD and all that were affected by this tragedy.:(

Looking at their pictures they were all very pretty and from what I read they were great girls. How sad. That picture showing 2 Ohio Alpha Gams mourning, was very sad.

My heart goes out to their chapter. I can't imagine what they are going through... :( :( :(

As usual, I feel like I personally lose a bit of my self with each and every tragidy like this.

I feel this way because of the seepage from my eyes!

May these you ladies rest in peace at The House in Heaven.


If this was arson, may the perpatrators be apprehended.

May they be judged by their peers.

I am so soory to hear of things like this and my heart goes out to All Of The AGD Sisters and the Greek World as a whole.:(

So sad, precious lost. Condolences to all.

Really good coverage in Tuesday's Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cincinnati Enquirer -- both online. Unfortunately, you can't read the Columbus Dispatch without a paid subscription.

can u post the link? Too lazy on this 56k modem to look for it

What a tragedy... :( My condolences.