Remembering Haruka Weiser

This week marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic murder of University of Texas at Austin freshman Haruka Weiser. Campus safety group SafeHorns is honoring her memory and reinforcing a vital message: don’t walk alone.

A Life Cut Short

SafeHorns remembers Weiser, an 18-year-old dancer and student, as someone “who loved being here.” She was known for her curiosity and ambition as she began her studies at UT Austin. On April 3, 2016, Weiser was attacked and killed while walking back to her dorm late at night after preparing for a dance performance.

The “Walk With Me” Campaign

Following her death, Weiser’s parents, Yasuyo and Thomas Weiser, launched the “Walk With Me” campaign. The campaign encourages students to look out for one another and avoid walking alone, particularly at night. SafeHorns emphasizes that this message remains critically important today.

Reaching New Students

“Many students on campus today don’t know her story,” SafeHorns stated. “But they are living on a campus shaped by it.” The organization aims to reach new students who may be unfamiliar with the tragedy and its lasting impact.

Promoting Campus Safety

To commemorate the anniversary, SafeHorns is promoting the #WalkWithMe campaign, encouraging students to walk with friends and share videos on social media. The goal is to foster a culture of connection and safety across the UT Austin campus.

Available Resources

SafeHorns also reminded students of available safety resources, including West Campus Ambassadors, the SURE Walk escort service, and the LiveSafe app. The LiveSafe app allows users to virtually share their location with trusted contacts.

A decade after Weiser’s murder, SafeHorns continues to stress the importance of mutual support and prioritizing personal safety on campus.