A memorial service will be held May 19 for a 2011 Palo Alto High School graduate who died Wednesday in St. Louis after contracting meningococcal disease.
Emily Benatar, a Paly lacrosse player who was a freshman at Washington University, died surrounded by her family at Barnes Jewish Hospital. The disease was diagnosed three weeks ago, according to a statement from Washington University Chancellor Mark Wrighton.
Members and fans of Paly’s current lacrosse teams stood in tribute to Benatar at Wednesday’s game against St. Francis, after learning of the death of their former teammate.
At Paly, Benatar was a widely admired student involved in many activities, and last year was cited as a National Merit Commended Scholar.
“The university community is deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Emily’s family and friends,” Wrighton said, adding that a campus memorial service will be held this fall.
Locally, a memorial service will be held Saturday, May 19, at 7 p.m. at Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills.
Benatar is survived by her parents, Lisa and Darrell, her sisters Isabel and Maya, and many other relatives.
By Palo Alto Weekly staff
By Palo Alto Weekly staff
By Palo Alto Weekly staff
So sorry about the sad news… Condolences.
Parents, don’t let your kids go off to college before first getting them a meningitis vaccination.
Please don’t place the blame on the parents. I understand that she was vaccinated. The vaccine does not cover all variants of the meningococcal strain.
I have had the pleasure to know Emily for the past eight years. She was such a wonderful person. I never knew her not to have a smile and she was always so full of life. My thoughts go out to all mourning her death. Rest in peace, dear Emily
Emily was such an amazing vivacious person and such a positive influence on all those around her. I was so saddened to hear of her untimely death. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I am glad to see the overwhelming amount of support that has gone out on facebook. She obviously left quite an impact on all of those who came into contact with her and will be fondly remembered.
I knew Emily since 8th grade, at jordan middle school, she was kind, nice, smart, friendly to other people, and she graduated with me and the class of 2011 last year, i will never forget the memories that I had and the class of 2011 had, RIP emily, you be greatly missed by us, and class of 2011
My heart goes out to the parents, family and friends. How awful.
Very sad. I feel horrible for Emily’s friends and family. I also went to Palo Alto schools (Gunn) and graduated from Wash U. in St. Louis. Shocking this could happen at a place like Wash U., it’s a top notch university with world-class healthcare. Guess the quality of care doesn’t matter at a certain point if the strain of meningitis is strong enough.
Yes, there are strains out there that modern medicine cannot defeat. Must have been a real bad one because she was so young.
A terrible and tragic loss for the world and for her family. Life can be so unfair.
My heart goes out to Emily’s family.
She will always be with us, giggling and brightening our days. This is so terribly tragic, but I know her beautiful spirit is with us every day. Love you so much EmBen, thanks for making our world a better place. <3
I am so sorry.
Terrible things do happen to wonderful people sometimes.
This is beyond horrible… I never met sweet Emily, yet my heart breaks as if she was my own. My Paly children and their friends knew her and they feel the pain as well. This tragedy can happen to any child, anyone, at anytime. My deepest, deepest sympathy to her parents, family, her friends and our Paly community. We all ache at such a loss… I’m so, so sorry. Rest In Peace Dear…
May God cradle your parents, keep you warm in his arms and in peace in his kingdom.
Very tragic indeed. It is a nasty disease. Condolences to her family and friends. Very sorry for your loss.