A sea of candlelight flickered in the night outside the Southwest Recreation Center, where dozens of University of Florida students gathered in tribute to Nyla Holland.
The 20-year-old University of Florida sophomore, described as kind-hearted and full of life, was killed in a tragic car accident on Sunday, while riding her moped near the recreation center.
The vigil was a space for grief, remembrance and celebration of a life gone too soon.
It was mostly quiet at first. For the longest time, there was only the sound of sniffling as friends and family processed their grief.
After some time, a few people shared what Nyla Holland meant to them.
Angelie Peña, a senior at UF who has been dating Holland's brother for the last seven months, remembered the first time they met years ago. “She was beautiful from the start, inside and out,” Peña said. “Her energy just filled the room.”
She described Holland's unmatched determination, recalling how she would push herself and those around her to go the extra mile — whether in workouts or in life.
“I’d be down for just a one-minute plank, and she’d throw a weight plate on her back,” Peña said with a bittersweet laugh. “She was always one step ahead, always pushing harder.”
Chelsea Monderson, an acquaintance who was just getting to know Holland, echoed these feelings in a statement.
“Although I didn’t know Nyla very well, I can speak volumes about her character,” Monderson said. “Her smile was contagious, and her compassion was a breath of fresh air. A beautiful soul has passed, and I was lucky to have known her even for a short time.”
Holland was more than a friend — she was also a student in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, majoring in animal sciences. She was also a U.S. Army ROTC program scholarship recipient, with plans to serve her country after graduation.
“Nyla was an outgoing and driven student,” said Dr. Kati Migliaccio, Ph.D., dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in a statement. “She was soft-hearted and kind, always with the best smile. She was actively involved in the Army ROTC program at UF, volunteering in sporting, recruiting, and tabling events.”
The University of Florida released a statement recognizing Holland and expressing condolences to her family and loved ones. The university assured the community that support services, such as counseling, are available for those in need.
As the vigil drew to a close, most attendees lingered, unwilling to let go of the moment just yet.
The group moved to the Southwest Recreation Center sign, where they laid bouquets of flowers next to a photo of Holland placed on the sign. Once again, there was silence, broken only by the quiet sobs and the occasional sniffle from the crowd.
Those who knew her, reminisced about Holland's contagious energy, her love for crocheting gifts for friends, and the joy she brought to those around her.
“She was going to be the crazy aunt to my future kids,” Peña said. “I was so excited for that.”
Though Holland's life was tragically cut short, both those who knew her and total strangers alike said they are determined to keep her spirit alive.