In the vibrant college town of Eugene, Oregon, a somber hush has fallen over the University of Oregon community. The life of Elizabeth Cardenas Figueroa, a 21-year-old international student from Mexico, was tragically cut short on August 18, 2025, ten days after a devastating accident that would forever alter the lives of those who knew and loved her. Elizabeth, known affectionately as “Eli” to her friends, was struck by a car while riding her bicycle on Hilyard Avenue, a bustling street near the heart of campus. Her story, one of ambition, courage, and dreams, now lingers as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the profound impact one young woman had on those around her.

On the evening of August 8, 2025, at approximately 7:48 p.m., Elizabeth was cycling in a crosswalk near the intersection of Hilyard Street and East Eighth Avenue when an Audi A4 collided with her. The force of the impact left her with catastrophic injuries—multiple broken bones and a severe traumatic brain injury that would ultimately prove fatal. Bystanders, in a desperate act of compassion, performed CPR on the young student until emergency services arrived. An AED was used to monitor her heart as first responders from the Eugene Springfield Fire Department rushed her to a local hospital, where she fought for her life with the resilience that defined her. Despite the tireless efforts of medical professionals, Elizabeth’s injuries were too severe, and she passed away ten days later, leaving behind a void that echoes across the campus and beyond.

Elizabeth was more than a student; she was a dreamer with a fierce determination to carve her path in the world. Hailing from Mexico, she left her family and home behind to pursue her education at the University of Oregon, driven by an unwavering ambition to become a lawyer. Her journey was one of courage, crossing borders to chase a future where she could advocate for justice and make a difference. Those who knew her describe a vibrant soul, someone whose warmth and determination left an indelible mark on the university community. Her aspirations, now unfulfilled, serve as a testament to the potential she carried and the legacy she leaves behind.

The Eugene Police Department, led by spokesperson Melinda McLaughlin, continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Details remain sparse as authorities work to piece together the events of that fateful evening, with the 27-year-old driver of the Audi A4 cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The community waits for answers, grappling with the senselessness of a life taken too soon.

In the wake of this tragedy, the University of Oregon has rallied to support Elizabeth’s family and the students and staff touched by her loss. Angela Seydel, a university spokesperson, shared that the institution is providing comprehensive support services to Elizabeth’s loved ones, who face the unimaginable challenge of navigating grief across borders. For students, the University Counseling Services offers a lifeline, available until 5 p.m. on weekdays with 24-hour crisis support accessible by phone at 541-346-3227. The Duck Nest at University Health Services, staffed by Peer Wellness Advocates, provides a sanctuary for self-care and reflection, inviting students to find solace in a space designed for healing.

A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by Elizabeth’s friend Laura Ortiz, has become a beacon of hope amidst the sorrow. Launched initially to aid in her recovery, the fundraiser now supports her family as they face mounting medical costs and the expenses of traveling from Mexico to be by her side. The campaign, titled “Stand by Eli: Aid Her Recovery and Family,” has raised nearly $10,000 in just over a week, a testament to the outpouring of love and support from a community united in grief. “Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference,” Ortiz wrote, her words a call to action for those moved by Elizabeth’s story.

Elizabeth’s passing has sent ripples through the University of Oregon, a place where she was not just a student but a symbol of hope and perseverance. Her dream of becoming a lawyer, though cut short, inspires those who knew her to carry forward her passion for justice. As the university community mourns, it also celebrates the light she brought into the world—a light that, even in its absence, continues to shine through the memories of her courage, her kindness, and her unyielding spirit.

In Eugene, where the leaves are beginning to turn and the air carries the promise of a new academic year, Hilyard Avenue now holds a somber significance. It is a place where a young woman’s dreams were halted, but also where a community has come together to honor her memory. Elizabeth Cardenas Figueroa’s story is one of tragedy, but it is also one of love, resilience, and the enduring power of a life that touched so many. As the investigation continues and the university provides support, Elizabeth’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who will never forget her.