Ms. Harty was born in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, on June 4, 2003, and grew up in Kinnelon, New Jersey. She attended Kinnelon High School, where she was a cheerleader, ran track and played the baritone in her school band. She also traveled to Panama and Thailand as part of the Global Citizen Program.

In her time at the University, Ms. Harty was a member of the Epsilon Nu chapter of Alpha Phi sorority and fraternity, and served as the director of diversity, planning events for the chapter and community. Ms. Harty was pursuing minors in history and political communication, and earned Dean’s List consistently for her GPA. She had plans to pursue law school and was interested in a career in broadcast journalism. 

Friends remember

Ms. Harty is remembered by her close friends and sorority sisters:

Sophia Candy, junior communications major and Ms. Harty’s Alpha Phi sorority sister and roommate: “Sara was unlike any friend I have ever had in my life. I don’t think I will ever meet someone like her again. She had the ability to make friends with anyone around her and made everyone feel so welcomed. She was such a strong, beautiful and intelligent young woman. Her passion and drive in everything she pursued was truly admirable. Her love for family, friends, broadcasting and journalism was evident and so inspiring to witness. Delaware became a second home to me with her by my side. It was never a dull moment with Sara. I will never forget all of the nights in the Alpha Phi House digging through each other's clothes, trying to find the perfect outfit. Or the countless movie nights and Sara always setting off the fire alarm making the popcorn. We had the most unorganized and unaesthetic room in the whole house but it worked for us. She was always looking out for me and the first one to give me a hug if I needed it. I hope everyone can find a friend like her.”

Ede Walker, senior health behavior science major and Ms. Harty’s “big sister” in Alpha Phi: “Sara was such a light in this world. From the moment you met her, she would have you smiling from ear to ear. It was truly a blessing to call her a friend and watch her grow and blossom into the amazing young woman she was becoming. What I miss most is her contagious energy, which is something that no one can replace. From our endless dance parties to late night talks, Sara was always someone you could count on. I cherish the countless memories that we share as neighbors, friends and family, and pray everyday that she is resting in peace.”

McKenzie Hegarty, senior communications and professional selling and sales management major and Alpha Phi president: “Sara was a cherished member of Alpha Phi Epsilon Nu, serving as this year’s director of diversity. In this role, she worked tirelessly to unite our community through events that promoted inclusion and understanding. Her dedication and passion for bringing people together reflected the depth of her character. Having lived with Sara in the sorority house and shared the same major, I had the privilege of seeing her true spirit. She had the loudest, most contagious laugh that could be heard throughout our entire house—an unmistakable sound that brought joy to everyone around her. There was something about her positive energy that made people want to be near her, and her radiant smile lit up every room. As president, I quickly learned what a hard worker she was—always selflessly giving to others and serving her community with a kind heart. On behalf of Alpha Phi, we extend our deepest condolences to the Harty family. Though Sara is no longer with us, her legacy will live on in the Epsilon Nu sisterhood. We are forever grateful to have known her.”

Ella Vitelli, senior communication major and Ms. Harty’s roommate: “Sara was the best roommate and friend anyone could ask for. She made the house a real home with her laughter and love for others. Sara enjoyed cooking for the house like we were a big family. She was always cracking jokes and was always there for her friends. We both loved 90s rock, so there was never a day that we weren’t shouting lyrics at each other. She was so beautiful and had the best smile. Sara always lit up any room she walked into.”

Sara Yoder, senior environmental science major: "Sara and I lived together for the summer and most of our senior fall semester, and we shared plenty of good laughs and fun memories. Her presence was completely unique and she always let her freak flag fly. There was always zero judgment in our house because she made it a comfortable, welcoming place where everyone was free to be their weird, authentic selves. Since both Sara and I shared the same name, we referred to Sara Harty as “Sara Junior” and me as “Sara Senior” (AKA Grandma). Sara was like a little sister to me and definitely lived up to her nickname as Sara Junior with her vibrant, outgoing personality. I remember several occasions over the summer when I would be up at 6 a.m. for work and she would just be returning from a night out. I can also still smell the scents of her whipping up chef-quality Brazilian steak at 3 in the morning. Sara was a character who is impossible to forget, and she brought joy and lightheartedness to the lives of everyone she encountered. She is missed and loved by all of the hearts she crossed paths with in her short lifetime."