Last Wednesday, the University lost student Victoria Anne Tropper in a car accident. Friends and loved ones were able to pay their respects to the 21-year-old senior psychology major this past weekend.
According to theAsbury Park Press, Tropper had gotten into a minor car accident with Thomas Trianon, 49. Charlie Webster, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office spokesman, toldthe Asbury Park Pressthat the two drivers then pulled off to the shoulder on Joline and Fifth Avenue. Tropper and Trianon were standing in between their two vehicles when Joseph Stavoll, 46, struck the rear end of Tropper’s car resulting in Tropper’s fatality and causing bodily injury to Trianon.
Jessica Trucillo, fellow senior psychology major, did not spend time with her recently but she was a childhood friend of Tropper’s. “… I went to a lot of her birthday parties and she was such a fun loving and funny girl from when I used to know her,” said Trucillo. “Seeing that email [on Thursday, September 12] tore up some memories of my childhood and made me feel so lost as to why it had to be her.”
Gary Lewandowski, Chair of the Psychology Department and associate professor, was Tropper’s advisor. “I was always struck by her positive personality and great sense of humor, he said. “I actually spoke to her that day about her about her plans for pursuing medical school and the various things she wanted to accomplish in pursuit of the goal. The fact that this tragic accident stole that dream from her is truly tragic.”
Brittany Fuentes, senior education major, met Tropper in sixth grade. “She was a kindhearted soul who always looked for the best in people,” she said.
Webster toldThe Asbury Park Press“investigators … are still awaiting the results of drug and alcohol testing …” The story explained that Stovall has been charged with several drug-offense convictions before. It is not confirmed that Stovall was on drugs during the accident, but Aurora, Tropper’s mother, posted a status on Tropper’s Facebook page stating, “A charity in your [name] is already in progress for those people who need help with addictions. We are starting a foundation in your honor so that no one else has to go [through] this pain that has been put upon us.” The status continued by thanking everyone who came to Tropper’s services and how much she meant to everyone around her.
Her mother also wrote in the Facebook status, “Victoria there are no words to describe the kind of person you have been in this life and the impact you made to all of those who loved you and [cared] for you past and present. My soul mate I will miss you everyday of every moment and I will never let you die in [vain].”
President Paul R. Brown along with other cabinet members spent time with Tropper’s family this past Friday at her viewing. He said that the University expresses its deepest condolences.
Trucillo said, “…she was very outgoing and a good friend. I feel so much for her family.”
Lewandowski said, “I, along with the rest of the Psychology Department, extend our condolences to Victoria’s family and friends. She will be missed.”
“Her beautiful smile will live with us forever,” said Fuentes. “I hope she rests in peace while her family and friends live each and every day for her.”
Some of her colleagues and closest friends have reached out and would like to convey their sympathies.
“Tori was a girl who could make your day better by knowing just how to make you laugh because her smile was so contagious. She was a beautiful girl with an even more beautiful personality. Although she is no longer with us, her presence still lingers and I will always value the memories we shared together. Rest easy pretty girl, I’ll miss you.” – Louis Nespoli, senior communication major
“High school to us seems like decades ago, for the reason that our group of friends our forever made family, acted as if we [were] beyond our years. High school is where our family was made, where our forever bonds were fastened and forever memories were made. We were destined to live our lives together near or apart, far or close, as sisters and brothers, husbands and wives, and best friends. Victoria Tropper was the spark, the diamond the forever shine to our group of friends. Her laugh, her jokes, her personality, her beauty, her charm, her way to always make any day shine bright. She was loved by every single person that encountered her, she lit up any room she walked in.” – Brittany Abt, 21
“There is one specific memory forever in my heart of Victoria Tropper. It was the night our friendship reached a whole new level of sisterhood. We spent the night having a true heart to heart, telling each other everything as time flew by. She listened as I spoke, consoled me, and shared her own stories. Then, we would laugh. That in itself tells what kind of person Tori was; caring, selfless, & loving.” – Claudia Curran, 22
“My dear angel who saved me. I cried when you passed away, [and] still cry. Although I love you dearly I could not make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest, God broke my heart to prove to me he only takes the best. Forever in my heart [and] soul.”- Alexis VanAuken, 22
“Tori. You were such an outgoing, bubbly, caring and beautiful person. You had such drive. If I learned something from you it’s to live life to its fullest. That is exactly what you did each and every day. You left a stamp on my heart forever. I love you. Rest easy my angel.”- Allison Burg, 21
“Life without Victoria will never be the same for any of us, she will always be loved and never forgotten, even with our dear friend not [being] with us physically we are doing everything we can to change laws and start foundations so Victoria’s legacy and life will carry on forever, to ensure that no one else has to endure the pain that we have been and will have to go through the rest of our lives.” – Frank A Criscola, 22
“I love and miss you so much. You will always be in my heart. Until we meet again my love.” – Armand Osmanovic, 23
“Victoria Anne Tropper has been my best friend, my sister, and the biggest confidant in my life. She has made me a better person and I miss her more and more every day. I know that she is looking down on me and her loved ones from heaven, providing us with guidance and protection. There will never be a day go by that you are not in my heart and soul. A thousand times we needed you, a thousand times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. A heart of gold stopped beating, two twinkling eyes closed to rest. God broke our hearts to prove he only takes the best.” – Bridget Basis, 21
“Tori, [you’re] my angel and I know that [you’re] looking over me. I can’t wait till the day I see you again. I will love you always and forever. ‘Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.’ ‘How did you live your dash?’” – Dan Rosenthal, 21
Victoria Tropper was a senior psychology major at the University. (Top left) Tropper’s Facebook picture, (top right) a memorial created at the spot where the accident occurred and (bottom right) Tropper and friends.
PHOTO COURTSEY of Brittany Abt
