Friends Mourn UCO Student Nikita Nakal, Killed In OSU Homecoming Tragedy

The University of Central Oklahoma is morning the loss of a student in the OSU Homecoming Parade tragedy.

Nikita Nakal from Mumbai, India was one of the four fatalities Saturday. The 23- year old had been in school since August trying to earn her MBA.

“I’ve never seen people, throughout my life, so active and so fresh every day,” says Sheethal Prasad about her roommate’s infectious personality.

Prasad and her sister lived with Nakal near UCO’s campus.

“She used to have a simple and cute smile on her face,” added Prasad.

“She was a magnetic person. She would cherish every moment,” said Sachin Basappa, another one of Nakal’s friends.

Special Coverage: OSU Homecoming Tragedy

Friends describe Nakal as having an adventurous side and always looking for new ways to experience American culture. On Saturday, she was attending her very first parade and planned to go to her first football game that night.

“I think she was determined to learn as much as she possibly could,” said UCO Professor Donna Carlon. “We are going to miss her smile.”

The school is planning a vigil for Nakal next week. The Business College is also planning to create a scholarship in her name.