Memorial scheduled for UC Merced student killed in crash near Bakersfield

UC Merced will hold a memorial at noon Monday to remember a UC Merced student who was killed in a crash near Bakersfield.

Natalie Raffaelli, 22, was driving Tuesday northbound on Interstate 5 just south of Laval Road when she lost control of her car and crashed. She was pronounced dead at Kern Medical Center, the Bakersfield Californian reported.

UC Merced Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jane Lawrence sent an email to students and staff this week, notifying them about Raffaelli's death.

Raffaelli was a psychology major who worked in Dining Services at the school. "Our thoughts go out to her family at this very sad time," Lawrence said.

The school will place a wreath of flowers at the base of an oak tree in front of Kolligian Library to remember Raffaelli during Monday's ceremony, followed by a moment of silence.

Lawrence said the university is offering help through its Counseling and Psychological Services Department, to students and staff who are grieving Raffaelli's death. The department can be contacted at (209) 228-4266 or counseling@ucmerced.edu.

City Editor Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.