By The Star Staff
The unexpected death of the track and field athlete from the San Germán campus of Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Nadesha Pacheco López, has shocked the university community, which just five weeks ago celebrated the championship of its students in both divisions at the Interuniversity Athletic League (LAI by its Spanish initials) track & field competition known as Las Justas.
During the competition, Pacheco López made history by participating in the mixed 4 x 400 relay, which was held for the first time in Las Justas.
Pacheco López died Tuesday afternoon from injuries suffered in a morning accident in which the car she was driving collided with a truck on the Luis A. Ferré Expressway (PR-52) in Caguas. She was 20 years old.
Inter-American University President Dr. Rafael Ramírez Rivera said the death of any student is always difficult news to handle.
“In the case of Nadesha’s death, her departure touches us very closely since she was one of those athletes who contributed to our championships and with whom we enjoyed and celebrated our victory in the recent LAI Festivals,” he said.
Ramírez Rivera, who is away from the island on official business, said he immediately contacted the family of the deceased young woman to offer his solidarity and put at their disposal the university’s resources that may be of help to them. He added that, in addition, a group of officials from the institution were accompanying Nadesha’s mother, her father and other relatives.
Ramírez Rivera noted that, as a sign of institutional mourning, he ordered that the university flag fly at half-mast for three days, in all units and offices of the system until this Friday. Additionally, at the institution’s 10 graduations that will be held this month, Nadesha’s memory will be honored with a minute of silence. The gesture of respect and remembrance will begin today during the Aguadilla Campus graduation ceremonies, which will take place at 6 p.m. at the campus coliseum.
The Inter-American president added that the University will offer spiritual and psychological support to the institution’s sports community.
“Our sports component is very united,” he said. “They are a great family and in these moments of mourning each one of them needs our support.”
Inter-American Athletic Director Francisco Acevedo Ortiz stated that the death of the young athlete is a profound loss for both the students and the coaches.
“Nadesha will be remembered among us for the great legacy that she left behind as she was one of the first participants in that mixed 4 x 400 relay at the LAI,” he said. “The most important thing is to remember her with the love and affection she gave us.”
Ramírez Rivera stated that the university community is united in prayer so that the young woman’s family and friends find the peace and spiritual strength that are so necessary at this time.
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Heartbroken to hear of the loss of such a talented young player. Accidents can be so unexpected and tragic. In difficult times like these, access to a reliable flatbed towing service can be critical to ensure a respectful process for post-incident vehicle management and damage to the vehicle.
Terrible tragedy. My condolences to her family. May she RIP.