Victim of deadly hit-and-run identified

Authorities have identified a woman killed in a hit-and-run accident early Wednesday morning as Creighton University student Vindhya Puttagunta, 20, of Folsom, Calif.

Creighton President, Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, tweeted Wednesday, "I am saddened to share that College of Nursing student Vindhya Puttagunta has died after being struck by a car early this morning. Please pray for her and her family during this difficult time."

The accident happened shortly after 1 a.m. near 27th Avenue and Burt Street.

Investigators said Puttagunta was with a male who sat down on a retaining wall. Police said that Puttagunta tried to get his attention by lying down in the middle of Burt Street. She was hit by a dark sedan traveling east on Burt. The driver continued east and turned south onto 24th Street.

Puttagunta was taken to the hospital with CPR in progress. She died shortly after arriving.

Burt Street was blocked off from 25th Avenue to 30th Street as police investigated but it reopened by 4:30 a.m.

A prayer service will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday at St. John's Church. Counselors and Mission and Ministry staff will be available at the service.

Police continue the search for the run driver. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Omaha Police Accident Squad at 402 444-5626 or Crime Stoppers at 402 444-STOP.

Grief Counseling For
Students, Faculty and Staff

The Jesuits, the Division of Mission and Ministry staff ministers, especially including Campus Ministry, and the Office of Pastoral Care for Faculty and Staff, as well as the chaplains of the schools and colleges and residence halls are visibly available to people who need or desire spiritual counsel, guidance or the opportunity for sacramental support.
For students: The Center for Health and Counseling will work to accommodate walk-ins today and this week for anyone who cannot schedule an appointment in advance. If a student is experiencing a crisis, he or she should contact Public Safety (402-280-2104) to get assistance 24 hours a day.
For faculty and staff: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors are available on call at 800-424-4831.

Spiritual and Pastoral Care

The Campus Ministry office is staffed throughout the week in lower Swanson Hall for anyone needing support. Individuals also can visit the St. John's Parish Office on the east side of St. John's Church. Ministry staff members will be available for special gatherings as needed.
There are numerous opportunities to pray together as a community each weekday. Masses on campus are daily at noon in St. John’s Church and at 5 p.m. in lower St. John’s Chapel.