(Paige Gross | NJ Advance Media)

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She was just trying to go to her friend's funeral.

In a now-viral text message exchange between a college student and her manager at Cafe 72 in Ewing, the student explains she is trying to get coverage for her hosting shift as she wants to attend the funeral of a close friend.

That friend, Michael Sot, 20, a student at The College of New Jersey, died after a crash that has made headlines for days: Sot was struck by an allegedly drunk driver while he was acting as a designated driver for fellow classmates.

The restaurant and the college are both located in Ewing.

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The manager, identified in the screenshots only as "Katie," responds by firing the girl, telling her she "has a business to run" and advising that the student only attend Sot's viewing.

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The exchange, which appears to have first been posted in a TCNJ Facebook group, has since made the rounds on social media, lighting up commenters with fury.

Folks were quick to say they would boycott the restaurant, calling the response "ugly," "disgusting" and "heartless."

Cafe 72's Yelp reviews and ratings have also tumbled.

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they will never get business from me ever again (this is in reference to an original post which was deleted. Cafe 72, a... Posted by Nick Tarantino on Wednesday, December 5, 2018

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In the wake of the fallout, the restaurant posted this apology note on its website and (now deleted) Facebook page, and donated $1,000 to a GoFundMe page for Sot.

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After hundreds of Facebook commenters replied saying they rejected the apology, the restaurant removed its Facebook page.

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Still, a few folks sided with "Katie," saying it is the student's responsibility to find coverage.

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Michael Sot during an Arthur L. Johnson baseball game his senior year of high school. (Keith A. Muccilli | For NJ Advance Media)

Sot, a sophomore math major from Clark, was acting as a designated driver as he shuttled classmates from an off-campus party on Sunday around 2 a.m. when a drunk driver crossed the line and struck his Dodge Charger, authorities said.

He was initially listed as in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

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The GoFundMe for Sot has raised more than $67,000. Cafe 72's $1,000 donation can be seen among the roster of donors.

Five other students were injured in the crash.

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Rest easy Mike. I will make you proud. I love you more than you’ll ever know. See you soon ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GAXZ4tU2ku — Jon Sot (@jon_sot_) December 4, 2018

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The driver of the other car, David Lamar V, 22, of West Windsor, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, assault by auto and driving under the influence.

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Cafe 72 was open Thursday morning with a few customers inside and others coming in to pick up orders.

A manager said owners were not immediately available for comment.

A message to the student has not been returned.

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Jessica Remo may be reached at jremo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessicaRemoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.