University student victim of van attack
Jodi Yeung knows it sounds clichéd. But Sohe Chung was “genuinely, really, really sweet.
“She was one of those nice girls you would bring home to your mom.”
Chung, 23, a University of Toronto student, was publicly identified Thursday as another victim of Monday’s van attack in Toronto.
Her LinkedIn profile stated that she was studying cellular and molecular biology and that she also worked as a sales specialist at Holt Renfrew.
Chung graduated from Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School in 2013, the school’s alumnae association announced on Facebook Thursday. Another victim of Monday’s carnage, Anne Marie D’Amico, graduated from the same high school.
“Some very sad news to report. Loretto Abbey has lost another alumnae in Monday’s tragedy that occurred in North York,” the Facebook post read. “The Loretto Alumnae Association extends its heartfelt sympathy to Sohe’s family. Please keep them in your prayers.”
Holt Renfrew notified staff of her death on Wednesday and provided counselling, the Toronto Sun reported.
“We are deeply saddened that a member of our community has died as a result of this terrible incident,” U of T president Meric Gertler said in a statement. “We mourn the loss of our student and want those affected to know that they have the support of the university.”
Yeung said she and Chung were part of a tight circle of friends starting in Grade 10. Chung had an interest in fashion and loved buying clothes. She was also a foodie and loved exploring different brunch spots to fill her Instagram page, Yeung said.
Yeung said she didn’t see as much of Chung after high school as they attended different schools, but they kept in contact over text message. When Yeung heard that Chung might have been one of the victims this week, she said she immediately tried her phone but there was no answer.
The news still hasn’t really sunk in, she said. “You just feel like you’re in denial.”
Three days after the van careened down a stretch of Yonge Street striking pedestrians, city residents were still gathering at the site Thursday to lay flowers, shed tears and pay tribute.
One was Kristi Wing, who works in the area and had seen paramedics treating patients and covering those who were beyond help. The tragedy feels more real now that victims’ personal stories are coming to light, she said.
“I saw bodies and now there are names and faces to them,” she said.
The makeshift memorial to those who lost their lives in the incident continued to grow as bouquets, candles and written notes were added. The messages, written in numerous languages, included the sentiments “rest in peace” and “spread love, not hate.”