Authorities have identified the first of six victims killed when a pedestrian bridge collapsed this week near the campus of Florida International University.

According to Fox News, 18-year-old Alexa Duran was a student at the Miami university and was driving her vehicle under the newly installed structure before Thursday’s catastrophe.

Reports indicate she was a freshman studying political science.

The collapse occurred only days after the bridge was constructed in a publicized attempt to increase safety around the campus, as CrimeOnline previously reported. It had not yet been opened for foot traffic.

Orlando Duran was in London when he found out about his daughter’s death.

He spoke to the Miami Herald about what he said will be “the longest saddest trip” of his life as he returns to the U.S. to arrange for her funeral.

“My little girl was trapped in the car and couldn’t get out,” he said. “She died when the bridge collapsed on her car.”

Alexa Duran’s friends gathered at a designated location on campus to await further information about her status. Several individuals spoke glowingly of the young student.

“She is the funniest person I know,” said Lynnet Gomez, who was in the Alpha Xi Delta sorority with the victim.

Another student, Manny Perez, said Duran was “one of those people who lights up any room, any circumstance, situation.”

As The Guardian reported, a homicide investigation has been launched into the circumstances of the bridge’s collapse.

Specifically, the companies responsible for designing and constructing the bridge are being grilled in the wake of the deadly failure.

[Featured image: Alexa Duran/Facebook]