(Tara Grimes, TWC News & WXXI News) More than 3,000 students, staff and people from throughout the Geneseo community gathered Wednesday night inside Kuhl Gymnasium at SUNY Geneseo.
They were there for a remembrance ceremony for Kelsey Annese and Matthew Hutchinson. The two seniors were stabbed to death last weekend. Police say they were killed by a former student Colin Kingston who had been distraught after a recent breakup with Annese, and then he killed himself.
Annese's coach described as dedicated, selfless, considerate, passionate, and incredible. She was studying education and wanted to be a teacher. Her professors say she was very excited about the future and was the perfect candidate.
Hutchinson's academic advisor called him adventurous, says he had a giant heart and was a big part of the village of Geneseo. At one point, he even remarked he was well on his way to becoming a "townie." Hutchinson's coach also described him as a leader and filled with humility.
Brad Campion, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president and friend of both, talked about how these memories could hit them at any time.
Hutchinson was also a volunteer firefighter for the Geneseo Fire Department. Chief Adam Chanler says he was one of the department's top members and was always responding to calls when he could, not just the big ones. That, he says, is how you knew he really cared about the community.
After the ceremony, Annese's and Hutchinson's teams led the crowd in a procession around the Wilson Ice Arena and Schrader Gym, while students held blue glow sticks and a chorus sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
