A Western University student from Scarborough died last week in the hospital after being hit by an impaired driver on the London, Ont. campus.

The victim, identified as 18-year-old Andrea Christidis, was walking on the sidewalk near Talbot College and Delaware Hall around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday when a northbound vehicle jumped the curb and hit her.

She was rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition and later succumbed to her injuries.

Police say the driver of the vehicle, identified as 24-year-old Jared DeJong, has been charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm, impaired operation causing bodily harm and having in excess of 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.

The Western Gazette has reported that DeJong appeared in court on Thursday and was released on $1,500 bail on conditions that include driving and alcohol bans.

DeJong is due in court on Nov. 3.

Many students on the Western University are struggling to come to terms with the incident. A Facebook group page titled “RIP Andrea Christidis” started by a class mate posted that, “It is absolutely heart breaking to see a soul go like that because of irresponsible decisions.”

“As a Western students, we stand up & disapprove of such acts.”

Witnesses said the crash threw Christidis nearly 10 metres to near the indoor tennis courts, the London Free Press reported.

Bystanders tended to the first-year health sciences student until paramedics arrived.

University president Amit Chakma stated in a press release, “This is a terrible tragedy and Andrea’s death saddens me deeply.”

“I know that I speak for the entire Western community when I say that my heart goes out to her family and friends at this most difficult time.”

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Western says counselling services are available to assist faculty, students and staff.

Details of a memorial will be relayed to the community according to the family’s wishes.