(Jody Lantz/ DSU Softball Player) "You will never be forgotten Ashley, Kyrstin, Afton."


An emotional memorial service for the three Dickinson State Softball players found dead earlier this week.

This weeks tragedy has brought together much more than a team or the families of the victims.

The entire Dickinson State University Campus has become a stronger family.

Their strength shines at the universities darkest hour.

Brad Feldman has the story.

Number Four Number Eleven Number Nine This day is about so much more than a blue and grey number sewn on a jersey

(Eli Turnbough. DSU Student Senate President) "Blue and gray runs deep among Blue Hawks. Ashley, Afton and Kyrstin will always be Blue Hawks." The lives of these three young women are celebrated on this day.

In a packed auditorium not for their accomplishments on the field...but in the game of life

(Lenny Gemar) "She tried to live every day like she was dying." (Jody Teague/ Afton's Cousin) "You can tell how well you lived by the people who showed up here." (Bev Neufeld /Ashley's Mother) "I hear her telling me to tell yoiu to stay strong." Caring embraces

Teammates and parents leaning on each other...sharing tears...sharing memories

(Eli Turnbough/ DSU Student Senate President) "They are not the first tears but as time goes on the ters will be treasured." As these families...this team...and this campus pick themselves up...three new stars will always be there to guide them

(Eli Turnbough) "Tonight as we look up at the stars Ashley Afton and Kyrstin will be there looking down." (Jody Lantz/ DSU Softball Player) "I know you will be watching from above and be with the pitchers on the mound." (Softball Coach) "Mama K was the one everyone went to..." (Bev Neufeld /Ashley's Mother) "Little #4 will be your little angel in the outfield." Ashley Neufeld Kyrstin Gemar Afton Williamson The three young women behind the numbers

Taken away from a family that just got bigger

(Fred Hutton/Afton's Stepdad) "I lost a daughter but after this I got so many more." (Coach) "Your cleats will be at the home plate of my heart for years to come." (Jody Lantz) "You will never be forgotten Ashley Kyrstin, Afton." In Dickinson Brad feldman KX news

So many peole wanted to pay their last respects to the three young women that the memorials service was simulcast to three locations on campus.

In respect of all three of the players...their softball numbers have been retired by the school. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list