UVA Holds Candlelight Vigil Thursday Night for Hannah Graham

An overflow crowd of students gathered Thursday night at the University of Virginia for a candlelight prayer vigil for missing UVA sophomore Hannah Graham, a 2013 West Potomac grad. The vigil was also a way to support Hannah’s friends and family.

Meanwhile back at home, supporters held a prayer vigil at Aldersgate UMC and members of the West Potomac softball team painted a school rock with “Bring Hannah Home.” Hannah was a four-year player for the softball team, served as its captain and was also the first chair saxophone player in the school orchestra at West Potomac.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is organizing search parties.

Local and state emergency officials are seeking volunteers to assist with a mass search for Graham planned for early Saturday, Sept. 20.

All volunteer searchers are subject to a background check and must register online at helpfindhannah.brmrg.org no later than 5 p.m. Friday.

Anyone who is unable to register online can register in person at John Paul Jones Arena (295 Massie Road in Charlottesville) prior to the 7 p.m. Friday volunteer briefing. Only those who have registered will be permitted to participate in Saturday’s search.

Volunteer searchers must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Carry NO weapons
• Bring a copy of the registration form and driver’s license
• Wear proper footwear and clothing for weather and conditions
• Bring water to stay hydrated
• Indicate on registration if they have previous military and/or search-and-rescue (SAR) experience
• Be physically in shape for walking/searching in up to four-hour periods

To follow developments in the case visit: http://bit.ly/hannahgraham and follow these hashtags on Twitter: #hannahgraham #bringhannahhome #uva

Also read:

• Charlottesville Police Offer Description of ‘Person of Interest’ in College Student Disappearance
• Security Video Shows Missing UVA College Student Hannah Graham
• New Videos Provide Clues to College Student’s Disappearance
• Family of Missing College Student, Hannah Graham, Issues Statement
• Missing College Student’s Last Text: ‘I’m Lost, Come Find Me’
• Police: West Potomac High School Grad Reported Missing at UVA

PHOTO of candlelight vigil at UVA courtesy of UVA.