Former SMU athlete dies in plane crash

2006 Saint Mary's grad Madeline Linn Loftus died Thursday in the New York plane crash that claimed all 44 passengers. The 24-year-old was a part of the SMU women's hockey team from 2004-06.

The news was met by a silent campus Friday, as SMU went on break starting today. Students return to class Feb. 23. A memorial is currently being planned, though specifics aren't yet decided.

The Winona Daily News is promoting a story planned for Saturday. I expect it to be a pretty emotional piece.

I lost two of my best friends from elementary/high school to a drunk driving incident during the fall of my junior year at Gustavus. I drove back to the funeral with two classmates in a silent car. How do you begin to deal with such a loss? We spent nearly 45 minutes in silence before finally beginning to share our favorite stories and memories.

I've got to imagine that SMU's loss will be even harder to deal with, but the quiet campus could be beneficial. It will provide a buffer period — similar to my 45 minutes of silence in the car — before having to face the loss with classmates, teachers and coaches. The sting doesn't ever go away, but I extend my thoughts and prayers to those currently in mourning.