Oakland

Hundreds Attend Vigil to Remember 6 Killed in Berkeley Balcony Collapse

Hundreds gathered in Berkeley late Wednesday for a candlelight vigil to remember six people killed when a balcony collapsed near UC Berkeley.

Earlier in the evening, hundreds more gathered at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland to pray for the victims and their families. Mourners also gathered in the morning at a memorial outside the Kittredge Street apartment building where the balcony collapsed.

Six people, including five students from Ireland, died in the collapse of the fifth-floor balcony during a 21st birthday party early Tuesday.

Seven partygoers remained hospitalized with serious injuries.

Father Aiden McAleenan of the Diocese of Oakland spoke to the victims' families late Wednesday and said they are in shock. He also spent hours at the hospital with survivors on Tuesday, having to tell one young man his best friend passed away.

"He just fell into my arms," McAleenan said. "The only thing you can do is be present."

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