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Hollins University student dies after accident in Italy

A Hollins University student is dead after a crash in Italy.

Shalynda Toney, a senior at the university, was studying abroad when she was hit by a motorcycle Thursday.  She died on Sunday.

Shalynda's father, Frank Toney, didn't want to go on camera, but he told News7's Susan Bahorich, studying in Italy had been his daughter's dream.

On Hollins' campus, there's a wishing wall of sorts, a place where students share their thoughts.  On this day, raw feelings are in black and white, words of love and remembrance, but also questions.

"I don't think that anyone can actually believe it.  It hasn't kicked in yet.  It really hasn't," said Frances Kalema, classmate & friend.  

"She was loving, she was kind, whenever I needed her, she was there, and vice versa.  She was a very, very open person," said Danielle Samuels-Williams, friend.

Toney was a Vinton resident who graduated from William Byrd High School in 2006.  She went onto Hollins University where she was a business major and hit just the right note as a music minor.

"Very dependable, and a joy to have around, and a great person," said Judith Cline, music professor.  

The 21-year-old was studying in Rome for the semester.  Her family and friends say she was having the time of her life, a life that will live on even in her death.

"Just as she lived her life with a strong faith and commitment to help others, her family donated six of her organs so that other lives can be saved," said Hollins University President Nancy Gray. 

Hollins is hosting a prayer vigil on campus Monday night at 7.  

Family members are still working on arrangements, but tell News7 they plan on developing a scholarship in Shalynda's name.

Here is the full news release:

Hollins Mourns Loss of Student Studying Abroad in Italy

Roanoke, Va. - Hollins University senior Shalynda Toney of Vinton passed away Sunday as the result of injuries suffered when she was struck by a motorcyclist Thursday in Rome, Italy. She was 21.

Toney was studying abroad in Rome through a program sponsored by Arcadia University. A business major, she was scheduled to graduate from Hollins in the spring of 2010. 

On Sunday afternoon, Hollins President Nancy Gray sent the following statement to students, faculty and staff:

To the Campus Community:

I am deeply saddened to report that Shalynda Toney '10 has passed away.

Shalynda, who was studying abroad this semester in Rome through Arcadia University, was struck by a motorcyclist on Thursday and rushed to San Camillo Hospital, where she was subsequently declared brain dead as a result of the numerous severe injuries she received. The physicians who cared for her have assured us that she did not suffer. With the blessing of her parents, and in keeping with her generous, compassionate spirit, Shalynda's organs were donated to save others.

Since early Saturday morning, the Rev. Jan Fuller, our university chaplain, has been at the hospital, providing comfort to Shalynda's family and to the other students who are taking part in Arcadia's Rome program. Jan told me that Shalynda was having "the time of her life" in Rome, so we can take some solace in knowing her final days before this tragedy were joyful.

We extend our deepest condolences to Shalynda's loved ones; please continue to remember them in your thoughts and prayers as they begin the long path to healing. At the same time, all of us at Hollins must seek out one another for support as we ourselves cope with this devastating loss. If you would like help in processing what has happened, members of the Hollins administration and I will be available in the Green Drawing Room Sunday night from 9 - 10 p.m. I encourage you to come by. In the coming days, please contact your RA, the Office of the Dean of Students, or our Health and Counseling Center if you need someone to talk to.

Arrangements for a celebration of Shalynda's life are pending, and we will share that information once it becomes available. Here on campus, a prayer vigil is planned for Monday night and we will e-mail you with the details once they are confirmed. In addition, a memorial service is tentatively scheduled for Monday, October 19 in duPont Chapel. More information will be forthcoming. In the meantime, let us keep Shalynda close to our hearts and cherish a life that ended far too soon.

Nancy Gray

President