Candle light vigil to be held Monday Evening at Wehrum Stadium

Herkimer College will hold a candle light vigil Monday, April 21 in memory of student Peter McAvoy who passed away suddenly on Saturday evening. The vigil will take place at Wehrum Stadium at 7 p.m. A senior from Dundee, Scotland and captain of the men's soccer team, McAvoy collapsed suddenly in his Reservoir Run apartment. At this time, the cause of death is unknown. Dean of Students Matthew Hawes said "Our deepest condolences are with Peter's family as they grieve this tragic loss. Our thoughts are also with his teammates, coaches, friends, faculty and staff during this difficult time."

McAvoy led the Herkimer Generals soccer team to two National Championships in 2012 and 2013. He played on defense as a center back, and helped the Generals outscore opponents 61-5 in 2013. He scored a team-leading 15 goals in 2013 and he scored the game winning goals in the National Quarterfinal against SUNY Adirondack (3-1), the National Semifinal against Richland Community College (2-1) and the National Championship game against Suffolk Community College (1-0). His awards included being named 2013 1st Team All-American, 2013 NSCAA National Junior College Player of the Year and 2013 National Tournament MVP. In two years at Herkimer College, McAvoy played 40 games, going 37-3 with 16 goals and 4 assists. The Herkimer Generals men’s soccer team have won 10 NJCAA Division III National Championship titles, seven under Head Coach Pepe Aragon.

The candlelight vigil this evening at Wehrum Stadium will be broadcast live on iHigh. The vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m.