The regular Sunday evening Mass at St. Ambrose University, Davenport, became an environment of both grief and consolation as dozens of members of the college community gathered to pray and light candles for one of their own killed in a tragic accident.

Bethani Werner, 20, of Winfield, Ill., described as a bright, bubbly junior, was killed about 2:30 a.m. Sunday when she was struck by a car as she was crossing in the 600 block of West Locust Street in front of the campus, Davenport police said.

The driver of the car was a 36-year-old Davenport man, according to Davenport police, who say alcohol is suspected to be a factor but did not specify how. Werner was struck by the left front of the eastbound vehicle as she tried to cross from south to north.

She was transported by Medic EMS to Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme Street, Davenport, where she was pronounced dead. Werner lived near the crash location, said police, who continue to investigate the incident.

As the chapel filled for Mass, Sister Joan Lescinski, university president, spoke briefly. “Tonight we grieve for the loss of Beth,” she said.

The Rev. Chuck Adam, who celebrated Mass, said the community has been “brought low by something we don’t understand.