Hundreds of people from across campus came together in the Numen Lumen Pavilion on Monday, May 1, to remember the Elon junior who died Sunday.
Hundreds of people from the university community whose lives had been touched by Jackson Yelle ’24 came together in the Numen Lumen Pavilion on Monday to remember the Elon junior who died Sunday.
They filled the Sacred Space and McBride Gathering Space, spilling out into the hallway and outdoor patio as they shared stories, laughs and hugs. Yelle died Sunday in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, while at the coastal city with fellow members of the Elon Club Baseball Team in what police investigated as a fatal hit-and-run accident. Originally from North Eastham, Massachusetts, Yelle is the son of Scott and Andrea Yelle, who joined the gathering on Monday.
Yelle was remembered for his laughter and his caring, with multiple people recounting how he would check on them to make sure they were doing OK and also connect with them to make sure they felt welcome. Well-known for building connections across campus, one friend said Yelle could find the positive aspects of anything. He was known for always wanting to be around other people, and welcoming new friends to his growing group of connections. He loved to play poker, meet new people, belt out the occasional song and most of all, spend time with his friends.
“We are all held together by Jackson’s memory in this place,” Associate Chaplain Julie Tonnensen told those gathered as they prepared to part ways, lighting candles in Yelle’s memory before they left.
University community members who wish to share messages of condolence or support with Jackson’s family can drop them off any time this week at the Truitt Center front desk in the Numen Lumen Pavilion or send them to the Truitt Center at 2960 Campus Box.
The memorial visitation arrangements for Yelle have been announced by his family:
Friday, May 12, 4 – 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Nickerson Funeral Home
77 Eldredge Park Way
Orleans, MA 02653
Details about the visitation as well as additional information about Yelle can be found in the obituary available online.
There are multiple resources available to those who would like to discuss feelings of loss or concern for others include university chaplains in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life at 336-278-7729, staff with Student Care and Outreach in the Office of the Dean of Students at 336-278-7200, or counselors from Counseling Services at 336-278-7280. Individuals can always access the 24/7 resources from the crisis counselor on-call at 336-278-2222, TalkNow from TimelyCare, or the Student Life administrator on-call through Campus Safety and Police at 336-278-5555. Faculty and staff may also utilize Elon Work-Life Resources for support.