Students recall Price’s friendship, outlook on life, love for family

Vincent Price, a former men’s swimming team member for Drury, unfortunately passed away Nov.17 as a result of an automobile accident. Price was driving in his home town of Round Rock Texas, and was 20 years old.

Photo via Beck Funeral Home

The tight-knit nature of the community at Drury means that the loss of a student has a lasting and deeply saddening impact on many. 

Price’s friends at Drury remember him for his listening ear, kind spirit and love for his family. Abbie Kemna and Marlie Reese lived across the hall in Smith Hall with Price their freshman year. Both Kemna and Reese will miss his friendship and company.

“He would walk into our room any time the door was open and just sit down and start talking about his day, then ask us about ours. 

He always talked about his family and how much he missed and loved them,” Kemna recalled. “[The] kid never knew a stranger,” Kemna remembered.

For Reese, Price’s intuitive and selfless nature also came to mind. 

“Vincent was always such a positive and uplifting friend! Every problem I needed help with was reasonable to him, no matter how small, and he always did his best to help find a reasonable solution. 

He had such a caring heart and truly wanted the best for everyone he met. I’m so thankful that I got to know him and call him my friend, and I will always cherish our memories and friendship!” Reese said.

Pura vida

Many students remember Price for his life motto, ‘pura vida.’ Emily Schulze, Price’s friend, recalls how this philosophy shaped Price’s values.

“Vincent’s favorite saying or quote was ‘pura vida’ which means simple or pure life, and he truly lived by that motto. He was a kind and effervescent soul who was loved by everyone he met. What happened to Vinny is a tragedy, and the pain of this event will last a very long time,” Schulze said. “My heart and thoughts are with the Drury community right now, especially the swim team, during this time.”

Price was a prominent member of Drury’s swimming and diving team, qualifying for the national provisional in the 100 butterfly event. 

In an email sent to Drury day students, men’s swimming coach Brian Reynolds, also reflected on Price’s influence. 

“Vinny was a very loved member of the team,” said Reynolds, who also cited his positive outlook and impact on his teammates.

For students in such a close community, losing a beloved fellow student and friend can be devastating. However, with such a positive impact left on so many people, it is evident that Price’s legacy of pura vida and kind spirit will be forever remembered at Drury and beyond.

Drury has counselling resources available for students who may be struggling with the loss. Contact Ed Derr, Director of Counseling, Disability Services & Testing at (417) 873-7457 or ederr@drury.edu to reserve an appointment. 

Article by Olive Thompson