SU community mourns freshman killed in trolley accident

SU mourns freshman killed in trolley accident

First-year student Trevor Pierce died after collision at intersection of Comstock and Waverly avenues.

Story by Jack Wells / Photos by Leah Dunne

Published: October 13, 2020

Students gathered Wednesday night for a vigil to honor the life of Trevor Daley Pierce. Pierce, a freshman at Syracuse University, was involved in a fatal accident Tuesday night.

Dozens of Syracuse University students gathered early Wednesday night to honor the life of freshman Trevor Pierce.

The somber vigil at the intersection of Comstock and Waverly avenues was held at the site of an accident about 24 hours before where Pierce was struck by a SU campus trolley while skateboarding along the campus streets.

Pierce, 18, was alive when paramedics arrived at the scene at 5:22 p.m. Tuesday, according to Syracuse Police, and was transported to Upstate Hospital in critical condition. He was pronounced dead later that evening. Police are investigating the incident.

Pierce was a first-year student from Jaffrey, N.H., pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political philosophy. He was also a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program and the Honors Living Learning Community in Sadler Hall.

“This is an unthinkable loss for Trevor’s family, friends and loved ones and the entire Syracuse University community,” SU Dean of Students Marianne Thomson said in an email to the SU community. “We send our support, thoughts, and prayers to everyone grieving and impacted by Trevor’s death.”

Any student wanting counseling can contact the Barnes Center by calling (315) 443-8000.