Vigil Held for Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar as Families, Students, and Staff Pay Tribute

Introduction:
Thousands of people gathered outside the students' union at the University of Nottingham to attend a moving vigil honoring the lives of Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar, two victims of a tragic incident. The families of the deceased students were present, profoundly emotional as staff and students led a series of tributes. This article highlights the heartfelt tributes, the impact of the students, and the community's response to the devastating loss.

Body:
The vigil held at the University of Nottingham's students' union drew a significant turnout, reflecting the profound impact Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar had during their time as students. Both 19-year-old friends were admired for their athletic prowess, sociability, and academic brilliance. As their families sat in the front row, meeting for the first time since the tragic event, their mutual grief was palpable. The atmosphere was one of unity and support.

During the vigil, Daisy Forster, the community officer at the union, expressed the collective shock and sorrow felt by the student community. She acknowledged the irreparable loss caused by the tragic incident and extended condolences to the grieving families. Forster reassured the families that they had the support of the university's 38,000 students.

The University of Nottingham men's cricket team, of which Barnaby Webber was a member, paid a special tribute to their fallen teammate and Grace O'Malley-Kumar. In their final British University and Colleges Sport game, both teams wore black tape to honor the victims and observed a two-minute silence. The cricket team shared heartfelt memories of Barnaby's kindness and Grace's friendship, emphasizing their irreplaceable presence.

In the latest developments, the three victims have been formally identified as Barnaby Webber, Grace Kumar, and Ian Coates, a school caretaker. All three tragically lost their lives to knife wounds. While a 31-year-old man remains in custody, counter-terrorism officers are assisting the Nottinghamshire police in their investigation. Mental health is being explored as a potential factor in the motive behind the attacks.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, Prof Shearer West, expressed deep grief and shock over the senseless loss of two promising first-year students. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, also paid tribute to the victims, extending sympathies to the injured and the families of those who died.

During the vigil, the families of Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar addressed the crowd, sharing their devastation and appreciation for the overwhelming support shown. Grace's father, Sanjoy Kumar, emphasized the importance of looking after one another and expressed gratitude for the unity displayed by the community. David Webber, Barnaby's father, struggled to find words to convey his grief and thanked everyone present for their support.

The vigil concluded with attendees laying flowers and offering condolences to the families of the victims. The emotional gathering brought students and staff together to mourn the loss of Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar while standing in solidarity with their families.

Conclusion:
The vigil held at the University of Nottingham served as a powerful tribute to the lives of Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar. The outpouring of support from students, staff, and the community showcased the impact these young individuals had during their time at the university. As the investigation continues, the families find solace in the unity and love demonstrated by those who gathered to honor their beloved children.