MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

'What a beautiful tribute': Idaho murder victim Xana Kernodle's family announces scholarship in her honor

'I’m sure Xana would be honored that you’ve set this up to help other students and keep her memory alive,' said a user

This article is based on sources and MEAWW cannot verify this information independently

MOSCOW, IDAHO: The family of Xana Kernodle, 20, one of the victims of the Idaho murders, has decided to provide scholarships to the students of the University of Idaho. Xana was killed along with her friends Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 20, and her boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20, on November 13.

Xana's cousin, Sheldon Kernodle, tweeted, "We have started a memorial endowment with @uidaho in Xana's name to honor her memory and keep her legacy alive - funding scholarships each year for UI students. The Kernodle Family will match dollar-for-dollar donations up to $10,000. Please donate. #xanakernodle #vandalstrong." 

ALSO READ

Idaho murders: Wild theory suggests killer may have had 'PIQUERISM' as cops struggle to find killer

Idaho murders: Cops pursue new lead with gas station footage of white sedan speeding away near murder home

In another tweet, he said, "For anyone who would like to make their donation over the phone (via credit card) you can call the UI Foundation at (208) 885-4000 to provide that info over the phone." Sheldon also mentioned, "Alternatively, checks can be made out to “University of Idaho Foundation” and mailed to address below. Please include “EE854 – Xana Kernodle Scholarship Endowment” in the memo line on the check. University of Idaho Foundation 875 Perimeter Dr MS 3143 Moscow, ID 83844-3143."

The tweet also claimed, " We sincerely thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts. At the very least, we hope to create some good out of such a terrible and heartbreaking situation. I encourage everyone to share this post to spread the message as far as possible." 

Meanwhile, the investigation of the murder is ongoing and is widely criticized for not identifying the suspect or finding the weapon used for the slain killing. Xana's mother, Cara Northington, has previously told News Nation, “I believe wholeheartedly that it was those kids who were targeted. … They did everything together. How could it not be a planned thing ?." Further, she added, “If you knew Xana, you knew what a light she was to everybody she came across. She was such a positive influence on everybody around her … I’m not saying this because I’m her mother and biased. It’s just the truth. There’s nothing negative you could say about her. She was just such a good soul … No parent should ever go through this. These kids were good kids."  

'What a beautiful tribute'

The Internet quickly reacted to this act from her family. A user said on Twitter, "Great idea Sheldon. Xana would love it." Another added, " What a positive thing during such a terrible time. She’s beautiful. Praying for your family and UI." A user claimed, "I’m sure Xana would be honored that you’ve set this up to help other students and keep her memory alive. Sending love and healing vibes to your family. " A comment on Reddit said, "This is so lovely. You know how you always hear people talk about how their loved one would always “light up a room” when they walked in?. I feel like Xana must have actually, really done that. Look at that smile!." Another stated, "What an incredible gracious thing for them to do while processing their grief." A comment read, " At least some good can come from this tragedy." " I’ll donate. I never knew her but something good has to come from this. I know Ethan’s frat did something similar has already gotten funding for the next 50 years and I hope that each of the victims can get a scholarship fund to let their names live on, stated another user. A user noted, "What a beautiful tribute."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online