In the quiet town of Narrows, Virginia, Jarrett Lee Lane was known for his fun-loving spirit and a heart that seemed to have room for everyone he met. At 22 years old, he was a senior majoring in Civil Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, a dream he had long nurtured. Jarrett's life, full of promise and achievement, was tragically cut short on April 16, 2007, in Blacksburg, Virginia. He was a male.
Jarrett's journey had been one of excellence, both on the sports field and in the classroom. At Narrows High School, he was the valedictorian, a testament to his academic dedication. His athletic talents were equally impressive, earning him all-district honors in football, basketball, and track. He was a multifaceted individual who also played the trombone in the school band. His brother-in-law fondly remembered him as being 'full of spirit,' a sentiment echoed by many who knew him.
On that fateful spring day, Jarrett was in his Advanced Hydrology class in Norris Hall when a lone gunman, Seung-Hui Cho, entered and opened fire. Jarrett, along with his professor and several classmates, were among the 32 victims who lost their lives in the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. The perpetrator of the massacre died by suicide on the scene, leaving a campus and a nation in mourning. As a result, there were no arrests or trials in connection with this tragic loss of life.
