'Such a happy, great kid': Madison Mogen's dad Ben tears up as he remembers his 'perfect little baby'
This article is based on sources and MEAWW cannot verify this information independently
MOSCOW, IDAHO: Nearly 1,000 people gathered in the Kibbie Dome at the University of Idaho for a candlelight vigil in memory of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle, who were brutally murdered in their rented accommodation. The vigil was held indoors on November 30, 2022, due to a terrible snowstorm. People lit the space with candles for the victims and their families. Ben Mogen, the father of victim Madison Mogen, shared the sweet memories he shared with his daughter in an emotional state during the ceremony.
Ben characterized his daughter as joyful and devoted. “Madison, Maddie May, she was the first granddaughter, first grandkid of any of her grandparents,” he said of his only child. “Everything she ever did was such a big deal. She was such a happy, great kid. Such a perfect little baby.” He proudly expressed how hardworking his daughter was while tears rolled down his eyes. Additionally, he brought up Jake Schriger, her only true love. "I'm so glad that she got to just have at least a little taste of what it's like to be in love with someone," he told KXLY. "He's just a really great guy and they treated each other the way you're supposed to. I was really proud to call him my daughter's boyfriend. Maybe someday, they would've gotten married, you know? Seemed like it at least." He also thanked the investigators working on the case and people for the love and support shown to his family through the difficult time.
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Mac Miller concert memory
Ben also shared a heartwarming tale about taking his daughter to a Mac Miller performance. Together, the two enjoyed the live performances so Madison was upset when the rapper came to town and Ben was unable to secure tickets. Then, the night before the concert, he won a radio contest and was finally able to get Madison and her pals VIP passes that included a meet-and-greet with the performer. “That was the happiest memory I could think of that we shared together,” he said, describing his daughter as a "hard-working young woman who treated everyone with kindness."
It has been more than two weeks since Mogen, Goncalves, Kerndole and Chapin were murdered. University administrators and the families of the victims alike urged the community to remember the joy the dead students brought to each other and the world and to hold on tight to family and friends. Police still have few leads as to who killed the students or what motivated such violence.