Recent graduates of the McDonogh School have been invited back to campus over Labor Day weekend to share memories of a former classmate who died Wednesday, during her first week at Mount St. Mary's University.
Catherine "Catie" Carnes, 18, collapsed while playing volleyball, according to a statement from university President Thomas H. Powell. She was transported to Gettysburg Hospital, where she died.
Carnes grew up in Monkton and graduated from McDonogh in May, according to a statement on the Owings Mills school's website. She attended the school since kindergarten. "She loved life, friends, volleyball, and horseback riding," the statement said.
"Catie was upbeat, kind, compassionate, and dear to many in our community, and we are devastated by this news," said Headmaster Charlie Britton in a statement. "Our focus right now is to support and comfort one another through this tragedy. Our hearts go out to the Carnes family during this very difficult time."
The chapel and headmaster's house will be open this weekend to any members of McDonogh's Class of 2010 who want to gather to remember Carnes, said Lynn McKain, a spokeswoman for the school.
Members of Mount St. Mary's Class of 2013 planned to plant a tree in her memory, said the university's Director of Communications Linda Sherman.
A Facebook group in Carnes' memory was started by a fellow Mount St. Mary's student. It said: "I Never Knew You, But as a fellow freshman, I saw you as family, I hope this is a lesson to us all, life is short and not guaranteed, we can leave anytime RIP CATHERINE. Condolences to your Friends & Family."