An NIU sophomore was killed Saturday evening in a car accident near the intersection of routes 38 and 47.

Stephany Papadakis, 19, of Schaumburg was pronounced dead at the scene after her car left the roadway, went onto the gravel shoulder and crossed back into the two-lane road into the path of an oncoming car.

She was on her way to Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant, 214 E. Lincoln Highway, in DeKalb for a Delta Gamma sorority formal.

The drivers of both vehicles and the three passengers of the other car were treated at Delnor Hospital in Geneva. Police do not know what caused Papadakis to swerve into the other lane.

On Sunday night, her sorority held a candlelight vigil in her honor. The sidewalk leading up to the Delta Gamma house, 907 Kimberly Drive, was covered in candle wax and people hovered around the house dressed in black and wearing pink and blue ribbons.

Debbie VonOehsen, a friend of Papadakis, was still in shock Sunday evening regarding the news of her friend’s death. She said the girls were devastated when they found out about the accident Saturday night.

“She’s such a great person,” said VonOehsen, a senior elementary education major. “We all don’t understand. She’s one of those people who would do anything for anyone. She never complained.”

VonOehsen knew Papadakis from home in Schaumburg, and the two met again when Papadakis decided to rush Delta Gamma. The two often would go out to dinner together and make the usual trips to Wal-Mart.

Papadakis majored in textiles, apparel and merchandising, but VonOehsen said she still was undecided in her future plans.

Papadakis’ wake will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral Home, 330 W Golf Road, in Schaumburg. The funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 1451 W. Bode Road, in Schaumburg.