OAK ISLAND, N.C. – Three Lees-McRae College students were killed in a boating accident off the coast of Oak Island, N.C., Wednesday night after their fishing boat capsized due to rough waters.
Nathan “Griff” Lyerly, a senior from Mooresville, Michael Shope, a junior from Raleigh, and Archibald “Arch” McFadyen, a sophomore from Raleigh, were all volunteer firefighters with the Banner Elk Volunteer Fire Department. Shope was a member of the Lees-McRae men’s soccer team.
“Everyone at the College is deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” said Lees-McRae College President David W. Bushman. “These young men were not just students at Lees-McRae, they were active members of the local community. They epitomized the highest ideals of the College, living a life of engagement and displaying a commitment to be in service to others. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends during this difficult time.”
The College will hold a small prayer service on Monday, March 20 at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center. A memorial service celebrating the lives of the students is currently being planned.
For more information, contact Sunny Townes in the Communications Office at (828) 898-8729 or towness@lmc.edu.