WHO-TV, IA
04-05-07
Vigil Held for Dead ISU Student
April 5, 2007--His death has been ruled an accidental drowning, but there are still
many questions about why 19-year-old Abel Bolanos died. A dive team
recovered his body Tuesday in Lake LaVerne on the Iowa State University
campus.
Now, authorities will re-question some of the last people to see him alive at a
party early Saturday morning.
Last night, many of the students who searched for Bolanos gathered for a
candlelight vigil at the base of the campanile. About two-hundred students turned
out to pay their respects. Friends say Bolanos loved his guitar, his girlfriend, and
making the most of life.
For former ISU student Whitney Oller, who knew Bolanos, fond memories are
mixed with regret. "Yeah, it's regretful. I just saw him a couple weeks ago in West
Des Moines and I didn't say 'hi' to him, and I was like... what do you do,?" says
Oller.
Students shielded their candles from strong winds for about an hour last night.
Afterward, counselors were available at the Memorial Union.