I am heartbroken by Jess’s passing. We met early on in our freshman year at BU, and quickly became close friends. I knew right away that we would get along well - she was so friendly, funny, and easy to talk to. We shared so many happy memories as roommates during those years. She was extremely driven and hard-working as a student. I remember how she travelled frequently between New York and Boston to pursue her dreams in banking. I really admired her work ethic and was so proud of her when she landed her first job in New York. We both moved to New York after graduating, and I was so grateful to have her as a friend as we adjusted to a completely new city. She was always so welcoming and invited me to explore new parts of the city together. She was a steadfast friend and always a comforting listener when I came to her to talk about a problem or worry. Even if we had gone a while without seeing each other, we could spend hours talking on the phone and catching up without running out of things to say.

Jess was truly a beautiful soul and I will forever remember her as an incredibly sweet, caring, and loyal friend. I wish her family comfort during this profoundly difficult time.

Yu was my middle school classmate, and we used to sit together in class(同桌). I remember she enjoyed debating and joined the mock union. She was bright, honest, loving, and determined to achieve her dreams. She was one of the very few people who knew what she wanted to study and which industry she wanted to work in from an early age. I was inspired by her in many ways.

I also remember that her name, "Yu," was a character that was hard to type in Pinyin, and that's when I first learned it. It felt so sudden and terrifying to learn of her tragic death in the news. I will miss her forever. 

Jess was courageous, driven person with a strong vitality that always inspired others. I feel grateful to have known her from our time working together, and will always remember the help and encouragement from her, and the joy she brought to all her friends.

The world is a darker place without you. Rest in peace.

Jess,

You were the sweetest, smartest, most kind-hearted person I’ve ever met, and I will miss you immensely.

I’m grateful to have so many lovely memories with you. When I started at Edge five years ago, you were just starting too, and it was so nice to have a friend to rely on. I remember slacking, zooming, and texting all the time to help each other out during training. I remember during Covid, when you spent the whole day calling up different pharmacies and we finally found one in the Bronx where we were both able to get the vaccine early! I remember when you took care of my dog Sully for me, and didn’t complain once even though he pooped in the lobby of your building. I remember when you came to my apartment and helped me set up the flowers for my bridal shower when they arrived in the mail right before Edge’s whiskey tasting event. I remember when you met my other friends at the bridal shower, and how you got me a Le Labo gift card because it had your favorite skincare products. I remember snagging Taylor Swift Eras tour tickets and we were both so excited to go that we drove all the way out to Philly – we didn’t get back until 3am and both went to work the next day exhausted – but it was so worth it!

Thank you for being such a sweet and loyal friend. You were always there for me if I wanted to vent or just chat, and I’m so sad to know that I will never be able to catch up with you again.

To think you’re gone is unimaginable and the world will be a worse place without you in it.

Love and miss you,

Lizzy <3