West Chester University student struck, killed by vehicle

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A West Chester University junior died after being struck by a car early Sunday while crossing a campus-area street, prompting an outpouring of grief from classmates and community members.

Garrett Nicholas, 21, was crossing South High Street at Union Street at about 1:30 a.m. when a car traveling along High Street hit him, propelling him approximately 70 feet down the roadway, police said.

Nicholas was taken to Paoli Hospital, where he died several hours later.

Nicholas' roommate said he was nearby at the time of the crash.

"I heard it happen, but you don't think. And then as soon as I got there and I pulled my phone out of my pocket, I had four missed calls and I came right back, and he was still on the scene," said Jimmy Kane, the roommate.

On Sunday, hundreds of students stopped by the Pi Kappa Alpha house to leave flowers and offer condolences.

Friends and classmates remembered Nicholas, who was from Orefield, Lehigh County, as a positive presence on campus. Someone known for his smile, encouragement and charisma.

"It was hard to be in a bad mood around him. Just looking at the way he conducted himself and his charisma. Just his personality all the time. He was someone who gave you hope," Kane said.

Sophomore Mya Sinwell said Nicholas' death has deeply affected students who knew him.

"One day it's a bright day and then it's just not. It's a super tragic story. I think everyone is feeling a super dark and heavy weight on them today and yesterday," Sinwell said.

West Chester Borough Police said the driver involved in the crash pulled over about a block away and is cooperating with the investigation. Authorities said there were at least two other people inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Chief Joshua Lee of the West Chester Borough Police Department said incidents involving serious injury or death are among the most difficult for officers to handle.

"Anytime anything involves injury or certainly death, it's a difficult situation, especially for the family. Our condolences go out to the family and the entire community," Lee said.

As of Sunday night, no charges had been filed, and no arrests had been made. The investigation remains ongoing.