Idaho massacre survivors Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke break down as they speak out for first time
This article is based on sources and MEAWW cannot verify this information independently.
MEXICO, IDAHO: Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, the two roommates of the University of Idaho victims, have broken their silence after more than two weeks since the murders took place on November 13. The duo shared the memories they had with their loving friends through public statements during a memorial service. A youth pastor from Real Life Ministries reportedly delivered a letter written by Mortenson and Funke at a memorial service held in Post Falls, Idaho, on Friday, December 2.
Mortensen and Funke were sleeping on the first floor of the home when their friends Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle, and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, were fatally stabbed. Mortensen describes Kernodle as the “life of the party”, adding that she was “strong, intelligent, hardworking” and beautiful. She also praised Chapin, reportedly stating that she regarded him as an elder brother and that the two were deeply in love with one another, as per The Independent.
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"To Xana and Ethan – the two best friends but perfect pair together," Mortensen reportedly wrote. "They had this unstoppable, loving relationship. They'd both look at each other with so much love. Everyone knew they were the perfect duo. They both had this fun, passionate, crazy but good energy. They both were the kind of people who cared about everyone and would help anyone," she added.
"I know, somewhere, Xana and Ethan are together, keeping each other company, watching us, and telling us it's okay and that we have each other," Mortensen said. She said that Mogen and Goncalves were "an inseparable duo" and best friends who cared for one another like sisters. “They changed the way I look at life and how to enjoy life to the fullest,” she wrote.
Funke described Mogen as her "big" in the Pi Beta Phi sorority which they both belonged to in her letter read at the memorial. “You always told me that everything happens for a reason, but I’m having a really hard time trying to understand the reason for this. I wish every day that I could give them all one last hug and say how much I loved them,” Funke said.
Over the last three weeks, the two roommates have mostly avoided the media attention. Moscow police have asked people to come forward if they have any information. In case you have any information regarding the incident can contact 208-883-7180 or email tipline@ci.moscow.id.us.