Memorial service remembers U of I student who died in Brazil

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Family and friends attended a memorial Saturday for Ashley Walls, the University of Illinois graduate student who died while studying in Brazil.

The 29-year-old died after contracting bacterial meningitis. Saturday a large crowd gathered at the UIC Forum to pay their respects.

Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke at the service.

Walls was the daughter of William "Dock" Walls, a former candidate for mayor. She was in Brazil as part of her studies for her PhD.